1
Francesca
Iwas in Stefan's car.
Stefan was right beside me.
A—healthy.
Strong.
Stefan.
The last time I saw him, he could barely get himself in and out of the shower.
But now—
Oh, my gosh.
Now, he looked—amazing.
Almost like a different person altogether.But I could still tell it was him.Most certainly, from his eyes.
Eyes that had found me the second I'd stepped out onto that stage half-naked.
Scared to death.
Hoping against hope that some kind, gentle soul would buy me.And not someone who'd be rough with me.Or hit me.
Or worse.
It wasn't like Aldo provided a bodyguard or anything.He'd made it perfectly clear that I was on my own.After whoever bought me—paid—I was to go directly with them.All my father's debts would be wiped clean.
And whatever happened to me—happened—he wasn't taking any responsibility after I'd left the building.
I wrapped Stefan's jacket tighter around me.I felt more than a little self-conscious.I was dressed like a—
Well, like a whore.The bustier stuck into my still-bruised ribs.Making breathing—interesting.And painful.
It wasn't like I was going to take it off here, inside Stefan's car.Although he might like that.
Heat pooled in my lower belly.That hadn't happened in—months.Except when I dreamed of him.Of Stefan.Kissing me.Making love to me.
A few times, I'd managed to wake up—climaxing from my dreams.
It was wonderful.
But also, sad once I realized that Stefan wasn't actually in bed with me doing all kinds of incredible things to my body.
“Where are we going?”I asked, knowing we were going to Carlo's.At least that had sounded like Carlo's voice.Not that I'd heard it many times before.After all, it had been months and months since I'd seen him or heard his voice.
Or Stefan's.
“My brother's place.He has an estate about an hour outside of the city.I told you that.”He glanced over at me briefly.
“Oh, yeah.Right,” I said, feeling stupid for bringing it up.Carlo had said we'd be safe there, but—oh, crap.“Isn't that where you got—” I started to say but bit my lip once my brain caught up with my stupid mouth.
Stefan finished my sentence for me.“Shot?Yes.In the barn.Carlo has beefed up security since that incident.He's right.It's safer there than my place.”
