En route to Denver, Martin received an urgent message from Milan. After contemplating his next step, Martin decided to forego the meeting with Carlos and ordered Eric to refuel the Bombadier for a direct flight to Italy. Eric called the tower immediately for a clearance to land and refuel the jet. Martin called the hospital to speak with Alaina and was surprised Alexa has not checked into a hotel and was still with her sister. After Alaina hung up on Martin, she was obviously disappointed that his stay in Denver will take longer than three days. She has no idea why it should matter since her mind was made up, that what they had, was momentary. He has stayed with her in the hospital, not because he is starting to fall for her but because he felt obligated. After all, it was his former employee who has done her harm. She was sad and as much as she wants to be practical, Martin has grown on her. "It was too bad it is over between us", she thought sadly. "Such is life." She's resigned herself. Alexa studied her sister's reaction while she was on the phone with Martin earlier and swears she can see the same spark she had in her eyes when she was falling in love with Joseph. "How can that be? She told me over the phone last week how upset she was that she was assigned to interview him, and now she acts like this man is Brad Pitt?" Alexa pondered. "Ah, but Martin is definitely more attractive than Brad Pitt, oh, for Pete's sakes, Alexa!" she shook her head, disbelieving that she actually checked out Martin Green. "I suppose I can't blame her, because the man is absolutely a damn, good looking and debonair stud", she deduced silently. "That was Martin. His meeting or business will take longer than three days, apparently," Alaina explained. "Oh, yes, of course, that was Martin," Alexa stated. They were both confused how that came out. "I meant, oh, I see and..." Alexa said in sarcasm, attempting to correct her previous statement. Alaina shot her a look that made her feel guiltier for reminiscing on Martin's physical attractiveness. Then, as how they have been conditioned all their lives, Alexa laughed wryly and said, "Fine, you've caught me. I was recalling how handsome your assignment has been, you lucky bitch." Alaina playfully sneered at her sister "Don't objectify my knight in shining armor!" she said, and they both laughed and blushed at the idea of objectifying Martin Green. After their short reverie of Martin's dashing looks, Alaina looked around and asked, "Where is Nicky? Has he been back since he's left?" Alexa has learned never to worry about Nicky being able to take care of himself since becoming a Ranger, but there are moments such as this where she can't help but wonder, too. She dialed Nicky's mobile and it went straight to voicemail. Alaina decided to sleep some more, her eyelids still feel heavy from the blow she's received. "Wake me up, when you hear from Nicky," she requested her sister. Alexa watched her fall asleep as she, herself, gave in to the exhaustion she has suppressed to be there for her sibling.
Martin felt horrible that he has omitted to Alaina the change in his schedule to fly to Milan, but he isn't prepared to let her in, just yet, "In time, when this spark has vanished, it won't matter," he thought. "For all I know, the time apart can present a different emotion for Alaina when I come back," he thought realistically. "At this point, Miranda should be your priority right now," he said to himself. Miranda has no one else left, but him. And at this moment, he knew that he will do anything in his capacity to assure her that he will always be just a call away and that she is his priority. Martin thought of calling his estranged mother, Stephanie, but changed his mind. If he doesn't call her on holidays, why should he, regarding Miranda? He thought back on how indifferent his mother reacted when he told her that he has bought a modest villa for Miranda in Milan. "Martin, I know it's your money, but there should be a line you draw on how and whom you spend that money on, for chrissakes!" Stephanie grudgingly told him. Martin brushed the remark off as he felt Stephanie was only worried it would be less for her. Martin shook his head in dismay at the thought of his kin only after his wealth. It dismayed and saddened him, from two days ago that he has met Alaina and her seemingly wonderful tales of her family. It has made him see clearly what he is missing in having a real close knit family. "Mr. Green, we should land in Milan at 1800, sir. The weather is dry and humid at 68 degrees, sir. Sundown at 1500." Eric announced on the PA system. Martin decided to sleep before their arrival, excited and worried in seeing Miranda, again, after almost six months.
Meanwhile, Nicky tried to close his eyes to get some rest, but he still feels on edge, even after Hailey has been more than eager to be his "outlet" for a mind blowing sex. Hailey sleeps deeply besides him and Nicky can't help but smile and remember what she said, prior to succumbing to dreamland, "Whoa, for someone who claimed to be out of practice, you are outta this world! Uhm, you rocked my world, I'll be sleeping like a... bay...bee," and just like that, she was out. He tried to listen to Hailey's relaxed breathing to calm the "edge", but it wasn't working. He is still livid at the thought of his sibling being in danger. Had it been him who caught up with that fucking chauffeur, he would have not been as in control as Martin Green. He knows the chauffeur's neck would have been snapped or crushed with his own bare hands. "Fucking son of a bitch!" he thought out loud. Hailey moved slowly to face him and "Nick? You okay?" she asked, still groggy from her sleep. Nicky kissed her forehead and was apologetic for waking her. "I'm so sorry, Hailey, I didn't mean to wake you up, I was just thinking out loud and I hate to do this, but I have to get back to the hospital", he said in a soft tone, unlike the statement he made under his breath cursing the chauffeur out. Hailey kissed him on the lips then got on top of him. As her face drew near, she asked him tenderly, "Hospital? One of the guys in your unit?" Nicky touched her face and said, "No, my sister." Before Hailey can ask, Nicky offered her the information, "she has escaped a possible fatal abduction earlier and is recuperating from the ordeal," he explained. "That was on the news earlier! Oh, honey, I am so sorry, that was your sister? Go, I understand if you have to leave. But call me, before you go back to Afghanistan," Hailey thoughtfully stated. Nicky smiled and said, "You bet your sweet ass, I will." and kissed her passionately.
Alexa opened her eyes to see Alaina sitting up and trying to reach the floor with her bare feet. "Is it just me or did I get shorter?" Alaina teased. Alexa rushed to her, "What are you doing? You can get dizzy and fall, your concussion..." her voice trailed off as Alaina told her that has been ruled out by Dr. Stanton. She wanted to stretch her legs, she told her sister. "Lexie, please call Theodore and ask him to have someone pick you up so you can get some rest. You heard Martin earlier. You and Nicky can stay at his home at the terrace." Alaina suggested to her. "Aw, Lain, you know Nicky wouldn't like that we get more indebted to Martin Green." Alexa replied instantly. "He is very generous to offer but we can't. Neither should you." Alexa told her. Alaina frowned and looked at Alexa's questioning eyes. Her sister uttered the sentences as though she was trying to bait Alaina into confessing that Martin Green was more than just an assignment to her. Alaina placed her hand on her head and covered her eyes as she sighed, "Lexie, really. Please stop fishing for more information. Whatever it is, was, between Martin and I could be over now. It's not a big deal, but nonetheless, his offer is most practical. The terrace is very close here. The hotels are farther and everyone almost drive here, so taxicabs are few and far in between. Please do it for me." Alaina pleaded to her. Alexa gave her a thoughtful look before asking, "If I acquiesce to this request, you promise it is not a ploy to keep some connection with the man?" Alaina nodded and replied, "I promise. If we do not accept his offer, he would have more of a reason to stay in communicado. He feels obligated because it was his former employee who did this. Let him make up for it, and when he gets back from Denver, we all exchange gratitudes and appreciation, okay?" "Like two ships that passed in the night. Just like that and goodbye Mr. Green," Nicky blurted from the door. "Missed me?" he playfully asked his sisters. "Geez, you got laid." Alaina said rolling her eyes at her brother. Alexa shook her head in dismay as she intoned "Is everyone getting their fuckery here, except for me?" and the three of them chuckled. The Three Musketeers, once again. Geno was thrilled to hear that the Golds will be staying at the terrace while Martin is away in Denver. He really likes Alexa Gold and even though he knows he may not have a shot with her, her small conversation with him in the car has been very pleasant. She isn't like one of those snooty bitches who wouldn't even look at the hired help directly. While in deep thought, he heard Theodore say, "And Mr. Gambone, please keep in mind that Master Green would like the Golds to be as comfortable and at ease in their stay here." "The old man can read your mind, Geno," Sonny jokingly said to him. Geno shook his head and snickered. "Ain't that the truth." he thought. Geno Gambone is a forty six year old man with dark hair, in contrast of his brother Sonny's fair coloring. They both stand a decent six foot each, with a sturdy build and dark brown eyes. Their father always tell them that each got their looks equally from the Calabrian and Lombard coloring. The Calabrian being Geno's and Lombard being Sonny's. Geno was sure their father will like Alexa's looks, no matter what her heritage was, were he alive. Geno smiled to himself at the thought.
A limousine service was ready for Martin upon their arrival. "Sir, how long do I need to have the jet taxied?" Eric asked Martin. "A week, perhaps", Martin told him, as he climbed in the limo. Paulo knew exactly where to go and the Villa Miranda was the place Martin wants to head to as soon as the car pulled away from the tarmac. Villa Miranda was the name the Italian division of Martin's company has fondly called it since he has purchased it. Martin opened the divider window and asked Paulo, "How is she Paulo?" Martin thought he should have asked in Italian as Paulo is not well versed in English like Travis and the Gambones, but to his surprise, Paulo understood him. "Il medico può dire di più, signor Green." came the reply. Martin nodded and as the car made its way to the gates of the Villa, Martin sat back in his chair. A sinking feeling of dread and hope came to him. The villa's double doors in varnished, dark brown, heavy oak, opened almost immediately for Martin, as the graceful moves of the housekeeper, Carolina, greeted Martin. "She's in the foyer, signor Green." Carolina spoke and headed to the foyer. Martin quietly followed the short, heavy set woman. She opened the doors to the room and Martin walked slowly towards a woman, sitting and staring outside the window. She was dressed in a lacy, pearl colored nightgown, her delicate features hidden in the glow of the moonlight. Her left hand on her lap taps as if following a silent beat and the other cradling her chin as she hummed a tune. "Miranda," Martin whispered as he stroke her long blonde hair. The woman turned to his direction. The woman is quite attractive, her rosy cheeks giving her the look of health which is highly deceiving of the status of her condition, her bright, blue eyes sparkling as it caught the dim light of the lamp post just outside the same window where she was looking out of and then, her full, plump lips curled into a curious smile. "Who are you?" she asked Martin.
Martin felt horrible that he has omitted to Alaina the change in his schedule to fly to Milan, but he isn't prepared to let her in, just yet, "In time, when this spark has vanished, it won't matter," he thought. "For all I know, the time apart can present a different emotion for Alaina when I come back," he thought realistically. "At this point, Miranda should be your priority right now," he said to himself. Miranda has no one else left, but him. And at this moment, he knew that he will do anything in his capacity to assure her that he will always be just a call away and that she is his priority. Martin thought of calling his estranged mother, Stephanie, but changed his mind. If he doesn't call her on holidays, why should he, regarding Miranda? He thought back on how indifferent his mother reacted when he told her that he has bought a modest villa for Miranda in Milan. "Martin, I know it's your money, but there should be a line you draw on how and whom you spend that money on, for chrissakes!" Stephanie grudgingly told him. Martin brushed the remark off as he felt Stephanie was only worried it would be less for her. Martin shook his head in dismay at the thought of his kin only after his wealth. It dismayed and saddened him, from two days ago that he has met Alaina and her seemingly wonderful tales of her family. It has made him see clearly what he is missing in having a real close knit family. "Mr. Green, we should land in Milan at 1800, sir. The weather is dry and humid at 68 degrees, sir. Sundown at 1500." Eric announced on the PA system. Martin decided to sleep before their arrival, excited and worried in seeing Miranda, again, after almost six months.
Meanwhile, Nicky tried to close his eyes to get some rest, but he still feels on edge, even after Hailey has been more than eager to be his "outlet" for a mind blowing sex. Hailey sleeps deeply besides him and Nicky can't help but smile and remember what she said, prior to succumbing to dreamland, "Whoa, for someone who claimed to be out of practice, you are outta this world! Uhm, you rocked my world, I'll be sleeping like a... bay...bee," and just like that, she was out. He tried to listen to Hailey's relaxed breathing to calm the "edge", but it wasn't working. He is still livid at the thought of his sibling being in danger. Had it been him who caught up with that fucking chauffeur, he would have not been as in control as Martin Green. He knows the chauffeur's neck would have been snapped or crushed with his own bare hands. "Fucking son of a bitch!" he thought out loud. Hailey moved slowly to face him and "Nick? You okay?" she asked, still groggy from her sleep. Nicky kissed her forehead and was apologetic for waking her. "I'm so sorry, Hailey, I didn't mean to wake you up, I was just thinking out loud and I hate to do this, but I have to get back to the hospital", he said in a soft tone, unlike the statement he made under his breath cursing the chauffeur out. Hailey kissed him on the lips then got on top of him. As her face drew near, she asked him tenderly, "Hospital? One of the guys in your unit?" Nicky touched her face and said, "No, my sister." Before Hailey can ask, Nicky offered her the information, "she has escaped a possible fatal abduction earlier and is recuperating from the ordeal," he explained. "That was on the news earlier! Oh, honey, I am so sorry, that was your sister? Go, I understand if you have to leave. But call me, before you go back to Afghanistan," Hailey thoughtfully stated. Nicky smiled and said, "You bet your sweet ass, I will." and kissed her passionately.
Alexa opened her eyes to see Alaina sitting up and trying to reach the floor with her bare feet. "Is it just me or did I get shorter?" Alaina teased. Alexa rushed to her, "What are you doing? You can get dizzy and fall, your concussion..." her voice trailed off as Alaina told her that has been ruled out by Dr. Stanton. She wanted to stretch her legs, she told her sister. "Lexie, please call Theodore and ask him to have someone pick you up so you can get some rest. You heard Martin earlier. You and Nicky can stay at his home at the terrace." Alaina suggested to her. "Aw, Lain, you know Nicky wouldn't like that we get more indebted to Martin Green." Alexa replied instantly. "He is very generous to offer but we can't. Neither should you." Alexa told her. Alaina frowned and looked at Alexa's questioning eyes. Her sister uttered the sentences as though she was trying to bait Alaina into confessing that Martin Green was more than just an assignment to her. Alaina placed her hand on her head and covered her eyes as she sighed, "Lexie, really. Please stop fishing for more information. Whatever it is, was, between Martin and I could be over now. It's not a big deal, but nonetheless, his offer is most practical. The terrace is very close here. The hotels are farther and everyone almost drive here, so taxicabs are few and far in between. Please do it for me." Alaina pleaded to her. Alexa gave her a thoughtful look before asking, "If I acquiesce to this request, you promise it is not a ploy to keep some connection with the man?" Alaina nodded and replied, "I promise. If we do not accept his offer, he would have more of a reason to stay in communicado. He feels obligated because it was his former employee who did this. Let him make up for it, and when he gets back from Denver, we all exchange gratitudes and appreciation, okay?" "Like two ships that passed in the night. Just like that and goodbye Mr. Green," Nicky blurted from the door. "Missed me?" he playfully asked his sisters. "Geez, you got laid." Alaina said rolling her eyes at her brother. Alexa shook her head in dismay as she intoned "Is everyone getting their fuckery here, except for me?" and the three of them chuckled. The Three Musketeers, once again. Geno was thrilled to hear that the Golds will be staying at the terrace while Martin is away in Denver. He really likes Alexa Gold and even though he knows he may not have a shot with her, her small conversation with him in the car has been very pleasant. She isn't like one of those snooty bitches who wouldn't even look at the hired help directly. While in deep thought, he heard Theodore say, "And Mr. Gambone, please keep in mind that Master Green would like the Golds to be as comfortable and at ease in their stay here." "The old man can read your mind, Geno," Sonny jokingly said to him. Geno shook his head and snickered. "Ain't that the truth." he thought. Geno Gambone is a forty six year old man with dark hair, in contrast of his brother Sonny's fair coloring. They both stand a decent six foot each, with a sturdy build and dark brown eyes. Their father always tell them that each got their looks equally from the Calabrian and Lombard coloring. The Calabrian being Geno's and Lombard being Sonny's. Geno was sure their father will like Alexa's looks, no matter what her heritage was, were he alive. Geno smiled to himself at the thought.
A limousine service was ready for Martin upon their arrival. "Sir, how long do I need to have the jet taxied?" Eric asked Martin. "A week, perhaps", Martin told him, as he climbed in the limo. Paulo knew exactly where to go and the Villa Miranda was the place Martin wants to head to as soon as the car pulled away from the tarmac. Villa Miranda was the name the Italian division of Martin's company has fondly called it since he has purchased it. Martin opened the divider window and asked Paulo, "How is she Paulo?" Martin thought he should have asked in Italian as Paulo is not well versed in English like Travis and the Gambones, but to his surprise, Paulo understood him. "Il medico può dire di più, signor Green." came the reply. Martin nodded and as the car made its way to the gates of the Villa, Martin sat back in his chair. A sinking feeling of dread and hope came to him. The villa's double doors in varnished, dark brown, heavy oak, opened almost immediately for Martin, as the graceful moves of the housekeeper, Carolina, greeted Martin. "She's in the foyer, signor Green." Carolina spoke and headed to the foyer. Martin quietly followed the short, heavy set woman. She opened the doors to the room and Martin walked slowly towards a woman, sitting and staring outside the window. She was dressed in a lacy, pearl colored nightgown, her delicate features hidden in the glow of the moonlight. Her left hand on her lap taps as if following a silent beat and the other cradling her chin as she hummed a tune. "Miranda," Martin whispered as he stroke her long blonde hair. The woman turned to his direction. The woman is quite attractive, her rosy cheeks giving her the look of health which is highly deceiving of the status of her condition, her bright, blue eyes sparkling as it caught the dim light of the lamp post just outside the same window where she was looking out of and then, her full, plump lips curled into a curious smile. "Who are you?" she asked Martin.