No matter what he suspected, I wasn't some stupid pakhan who craved to destroy his daughter’s life.
Sighing heavily, he nodded, but not before warning, “Hurt her or take her away, we are at war. And real war, at that, Dominic. Don’t ask for mercy.”
Standing up, I threw the papers with the codes and locations on his table. “Better cover this shit up. That’s my woman’s safety we are talking about. But also keep in mind, I’m not known for mercy either.” With that, I left his office, slamming the door loudly, putting on my sunglasses, and murmuring, “Let the games begin.”
Operation: Rosa was in motion.
Too bad the old man would be disappointed.
Rosa
“So according to Charles Darwin, evolution—” The professor kept on clicking on PowerPoint presentation slides as the students in the auditorium looked on with bored expressions on their faces. Some typed on phones, others did homework on their laptops for a different class, but the majority just zoned out of the whole thing. Exhaling heavily, I rested my chin on my palm and hoped the time would go faster, and someone would finish this torture soon.
Yeah, I belonged to the last group. Seriously, why did we have to study the basics in college? All this stuff was covered back in high school, and hardly anyone needed a reminder about evolution.
The auditorium was huge, around a hundred students inside, and it had different levels and a stage. Thankfully, I sat on the right corner, right in the middle, so she wouldn't be able to see whatever I was doing. Opening up Sapphire’s latest book on my lap, I started reading it, eagerly losing myself in the incredible world she created.
A paper slid in front of me, and my eyes focused on the text.
Too bored?
Glancing to my left, I noticed a redheaded guy with an easygoing smile playing with the pencil in his hand, who winked at me. The shorts and shirt he wore showed off his pale skin covered with freckles. Curious, I wrote back, although I was alarmed at the sudden interest.
Who wouldn't be?
He chuckled quietly, replying in a second, while the professor’s voice continued, “Darwin’s theory allowed us to—”
True story. Are you a transfer? I haven't seen you on campus before.
During the last five years, I had plenty of time to study every book there was about medicine, had hands-on experience with Damian’s case, which impressed some doctors who treated him, and as a result, they had recommendation letters ready. Between them and my excellent grades in high school, combined with my exceptional results in the placement exam, the dean had no choice but to admit me at the sophomore level.
Well, I hoped that was the case, and not because his face paled the minute he noticed my surname.
Sort of. You?
Before he could answer, the lights went up and Professor Josie finished her lecture. “That’s it for today, people. Don’t forget to read your syllabus. It’s a summer course, so everything goes faster now. We don’t want you to be behind on anything.” With that, she dismissed the class.
Everyone rose from their seats, picked up their things, and loud noises echoed through the auditorium, along with laughter. My bag felt heavy on my shoulder from all the books I borrowed from the library, but my car wasn't far away, so all was good. I made for the door, completely forgetting about my conversation with the guy, when someone poked me in the back, and I glanced over my shoulder.
“I’m Aaron.” With a goofy smile on his face, he said, “Wanna hang out in the cafeteria? I gathered that since you are new, you could use new friends.”
Getting out of the class while a hundred other students tried to do the same was an impossible task, so with an exasperated sigh, I stood by the wall, waiting for everybody to leave so I could do the same in peace. “Sounds good, but I can’t today.”
He waved a ‘no worries’ gesture and nodded. “Sure, but here is my number in case you need it.”
Honestly, had I not been so tired from the five classes and a sleepless night thinking about my future, I would have found his behavior suspicious, but I simply didn't care at the moment. Shrugging, I took the piece of paper he extended and sent a smile his way. “Thanks.” Noticing the coast was clear, I added, “See you later.” Dragging my feet through various floors, I finally exited the building and breathed in the fresh air, enjoying the breezy weather of New York in July.
Columbia University had one of the most beautiful campuses in the world in my opinion. It had big buildings that reminded me of museums with their gothic architecture and muted colors. The big grassy field almost created this castle-like feeling, and I loved getting lost there only to discover new places to visit.
However, with all the deadlines I had for my classes, tonight, I preferred to go home and spend some time researching different apartments to rent. Living with my dad was never part of my plan.
My phone vibrated inside my pocket. Taking it out, I slowly walked to the gate.
French fries and wine in our favorite place?
A few weeks ago, she took me to this bar on the edge of the city located in Brooklyn. Our entire way there on the subway, I was sweating bullets, expecting danger to lurk in every corner, but Frankie just laughed. I seriously preferred to use my feet than the metro with questionable people. Closed spaces were on my shit list after my captivity.
The bar was a small family establishment designed in a wooden cabin style with various mounted-animal trophies, wooden tables and chairs, and a jukebox, which played old rock-and-roll songs when you put a quarter in it.
