Chapter Thirty-Nine
Isabella
Tristan held me as I drifted off to sleep.
I slept and it’s the first time in years that I fell into a deep sleep without stirring and without the threat of a nightmare.
That happened last night of all the nights to happen, while Candace was in hospital fighting for her life.
I just woke up and the memory of the horror was the first thing to fill my mind.
I’m alone and there’s a hollow feeling in my soul that I can’t shake.
I still blame myself. the moment Dominic started talking I knew he was furious about me and Tristan, and I had that leprous feeling again. Guilt by association to my father.
Then when the bullet left his gun that last time, I just knew it was going to hit someone. I saw it all in slow motion. The instant the first bullet left his gun I knew disaster lay ahead. I was certain of it. Then Candace got shot.
The scream that tore from her throat still pierces through me. It was a cry from deep within her soul and the only sound she made. After that she just went still. That was the effect of the bullet.
Now it’s the waiting and I wish I could have stayed, but I understood the need for some privacy. She’s a friend to me but she’s like family to them and there are boundaries.
Since it looks like late morning so I get up and change.
I’ve decided to head downstairs where I can wait for some news.
I don’t want to look like I’m here comfortable while Candace is in such a bad condition. I already feel like shit just for being here.
To say the world has turned upside down over the last few weeks feels like an understatement. It’s more fitting to say it’s turned all sorts of ways except the right way.
I make my way downstairs and see the house staff cleaning. There are a few maids making their rounds. The head maid asks me if I want breakfast and I politely decline. I’m not hungry and I have that queasy feeling again. I just feel like I’ll vomit if I have anything even water.
I’m hoping the feeling will pass once I hear something about Candace.
I go out on to the terrace leading down to the beach and watch the waves roll in. It’s different to being on the island but just as gorgeous. The whole house is gorgeous.
I heard that Massimo’s wife is staying somewhere safe. Looking at this place makes me wonder what kind of woman she is and what it must be like to be married to the boss.
It wouldn’t be like me marrying Dmitri. The Circle of Shadows is not like the Italian mafia. They exist just to kill and gain power. That’s it. Money and power. The story of my life. They are ruthless and the heartless devils, every one of them and there is no life where they exist.
I don’t know what will happen now. I doubt Tristan and his brothers will carry on as planned, not with Candace in the hospital. I don’t want them to.
I hardly wanted to leave the hospital. I can just imagine how they must feel. Rhode Island is across the country. Far, far, away from Candace if she needs them.
I stay out on the terrace until it starts to rain then make my way into the kitchen deciding I’ll get a glass of water.
I walk in and through the other set of doors the man who tortured Sacha comes in. I tense when I see him even though I know he doesn’t mean me any harm.
“Hi, I’m Nick,” he says.
“Hi,” I reply.
“Tristan sent me to let you know there’s no change with Candace. He wanted to update you so you didn’t worry.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” I nod and bring my hands together.
“I’ll be here for the rest of the day. Do you need anything?”
“No. I’ll just get some water and head up to my room.”