At least she spoke a little more than just saying sorry the whole time.
I get up, and leaving the room, I head back to the kitchen.
Seeing the plate of food, I stare at it for a moment, and hoping to God it’s not poisoned, I warm it in the microwave before I sit down at the island.
Here goes nothing.
I cut a piece of the steak off and take a bite. Even though I had to reheat the food, the steak is juicy and done to perfection.
As I enjoy the meal Yuki prepared, I worry about her health. No one can survive on rice.
Pulling my phone out again, I call Dr. Milazzo.
“Yes, Mr. Vitale. What can I do for you?”
“My wife is malnourished. She’s only survived on steamed rice for the past three months. That can’t be healthy, right?”
“Jesus, no!” His worried tone sends shivers racing over my body. “You have to bring her to the hospital, or if that’s not possible, I can come over. Are you at home?”
“Yes. Bring everything you’ll need.”
We end the call, and ignoring the half-eaten food, I rush out of the kitchen and jog back to Yuki’s room.
Chapter 14
Yuki
I think I’m finally dying.
My stomach is cramping so badly, I can’t keep the tears back.
The same thing happened every time I stole food during a cooking lesson, but unlike before, Yutaro isn’t here to slap me around.
Hearing movement, I open my eyes and see Augusto coming fast toward me.
Panic flares through my chest, and instinctively reacting, I roll to the other side of the bed before scrambling to my feet.
I don’t make it much farther because my legs give way beneath me.
No! I’m too weak.
When Augusto darts around the bed, I bring my right arm up in front of my face and beg, “Please!”
“Jesus, Yuki,” he says, his voice rumbling with anger.
Instead of hitting me, his arms slip beneath me, and I’m lifted into the air.
Unable to handle anything right now, I burst out in tears. My stomach cramps horribly, and feeling unbelievably sick, I pass the point of caring about what Augusto will do to me.
“I have a doctor coming. Shhh…you’ll feel better soon,” Augusto murmurs.
He lays me down on the bed again, and like earlier, his palm caresses my forehead and hair.
Through feverish eyes, I stare at the man who’s confusing me so much, I can’t predict his next move.
I think Augusto’s playing mind games with me, and as soon as I let my guard down, he’ll attack. I don’t trust him one bit and don’t know what he’s up to, but I’m not falling for this nice-guy act.
His phone rings, and after looking at the device, he gets up and hurries out of the bedroom.
