“It’s nothing, really.”
He began to tap his fingers along the plate as he peered down at me. “I don’t like it when people are dishonest with me. I want to know why you’re so uncomfortable.”
There was an edge to his voice that caused me to feel even more wary. What did he expect me to say? If he wanted honesty, he shouldn’t have kidnapped me from my home, or begin taunting me and using me to gratify his sexual desires.
“I’m just a little fearful,” I said, my voice wavering. “I mean, I’m scared you’re going to hurt me one of these days.”
His entire body stiffened at my words. For a moment I thought I saw that stoic expression on his face soften, as though he was hurt by my words. I wasn’t sure what I expected, but it certainly wasn’t to have him show some form of emotion around me. That mask that he wore was beginning to slip, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it.
I recoiled slightly as his fingers gripped the plate, his knuckles white. I was sure he was going to break it in half, and then take out the remaining frustration on me. I realized that I shouldn’t have been so honest with him. I could feel a cold sweat forming along my skin, causing my long brown hair to stick to my back. I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say.
There were no words that could remedy the situation.
I had been too honest. There was a heaviness between us as he turned towards the door, still gripping the plate. There was nothing said as he opened the door and slammed it behind him. The sound rang in my ears, and the room felt as though it had shaken.
I’d worried constantly that he’d hurt me, as there was no telling what was going through his mind. At that moment, a deepening fear settled itself into my stomach, making me feel sick. If he hadn’t planned on hurting me before, that chance had just risen with the words that had passed through my lips.
I brought my hands to my lap and sighed, hoping desperately that he wouldn’t retaliate. There was a strained silence that passed, and it caused my heart to fall from my chest. My hands were shaking as I anticipated him bursting through the door, infuriated. I wouldn’t blame him. So far he’d done nothing to make me think that he would go out of his way to hurt me. It was his family that caused me to think there was always an ulterior motive. They, of course, were monsters. Romeo and Savio were known for their cruelty. I’d heard rumors about the things they’d done to people that wronged them.
Marcello seemed different, but there was no telling if it was an act.
8
Marcello
Iwas unsure of what I was doing. Marcello was visiting me consistently, being loyal to whatever routine he’d created in his mind. But he still hadn’t touched me at all, and I was glad he hadn’t. I would wake up in the middle of the night terrified that he’d open the door and force himself on me. The feeling left me constantly on edge and every time he visited, I’d grow more apprehensive. It was happening even then, as his eyes loomed on me through the slit in the door.
It reminded me of the first time that I’d met him. It was like being a mouse, and he was the cat, enjoying his time teasing me. He must have known that I’d never done anything like what he was asking me to do. Hell, I’d only ever even kissed someone before. There was something in his gaze that let me know that he was aroused. I’d often watched as his eyes slid to the back of his head and his mouth dropped ever-so-slight as I ate. It was brief, but he would become aroused while he told me what to do with the food.
He was there and had promised me time alone with my sister for the first time. We’d have some privacy outside of him being able to hear us. I could feel my heart thrashing in my chest at the thought. I wasn’t sure if I should tell her what was happening. I wanted to tell her, as we never kept secrets from one another. We agreed when we were young that we’d never do that. But would she think I was being weak?
A wave of embarrassment swept over me at the thought of her being disgusted by what I was doing. Little did she know, I was doing it all so that I could see her. I looked forward to holding her every day. It was one of the few things that kept me going. Once she knew that, she’d have to understand. It was for us.
I pursed my lips as I pressed down my dress and stood up, feeling the cool ground against my feet. I pushed my hair back behind my ear as I waited for him to open the door. There was no food today—it seemed as though it would strictly be visiting Alessandra, which I was fine with. I hadn’t been in the right frame of mind the previous day to go and see her.
My stomach knotted the moment the door swung open and he motioned me to come. I passed through the doorway. My socks were barely able to keep my feet warm as I walked along the ice-cold concrete floor.
I was glad that he wasn’t pushing me down the hall as I walked. Usually, that was something he did, and that I’d slowly grown accustomed to. I could hear his heavy footsteps behind me and feel his eyes on me as I made my way towards my sister’s room.
As we reached the door, he came forward and unlatched it, allowing me to push it open. I smiled meekly at him but then the sound of the metal creaking against the cement caused me to grind my teeth. It penetrated throughout the empty hallway, echoing throughout the walls around us. The air was cool where we were, and there were no windows anywhere. I did see a set of stairs at the end. I wasn’t going to attempt an escape. Not unless Alessandra was growing desperate. I knew that it might lead to death, but I’d do it for her and I know she’d do it for me.
Alessandra was sitting on her bed, staring up at the ceiling as the door opened. Her light blue dress was a stark contrast to her cell, which was all dark greys and browns. She stood out like a light in a tunnel.
A large smile crossed her lips the moment she saw me, and I couldn’t help but return it. I jumped into the room and ran towards her, hoping to use up every minute that we had, every second until I’d be forced out of the room again.
I felt a sense of relief the moment the gray metal door closed and Marcello’s footsteps retracted down the hallway. It had finally happened—we were alone. Just the two of us. Nothing could stop me from taking her in my arms, to squeeze her tightly and never let her go. It always felt like too long when we were apart.
She sighed in my arms and pulled away, tears forming in her eyes as she lifted hers to mine. “How are you? I’m shocked that he let us be alone.”
“So am I. I’m good, or as good as I can be,” I replied, glancing about her room, which was a mirror image to mine. “How have you been? I’m just glad you’re safe.”
“I don’t know how Lucia is. I haven’t seen her yet.”
“Marcello hasn’t mentioned her, either.”
Alessandra wiped away the tears forming in her eyes and bit her lip. “I hope she’s not dead. I mean, I wouldn’t put it past them. Especially after everything that’s happened. I’m just worried, and I can’t help but think the worst.”
“I know how you feel. I’ve been reliving every moment since we got here. Like, I can barely sleep at night lately. It’s like these feelings of impending doom just come over me. It’s fucking awful.”
