The first few days, I couldn’t get used to them calling me another name, but quickly, I learned to respond as Quinn started getting suspicious. Sharing my real name with them wasn't wise, for their own safety. The least I could do after these people saved my life.
Instead, I fed them the story that I was homeless for the last few days and woke up like this, with no memory of what happened to me. Honestly, even I found it surprising they bought this shit, because it sounded insane. “I told you, I don’t know.”
She shook her head and grabbed my arm. “Dad and I are horrified that someone could have hurt you so much.” She ran her finger over my bandaged scars, because walking outside could bring unnecessary infection, and no one needed that after my last fever. “But we aren't stupid. You hide something behind those eyes of yours.” She patted my cheek. “I hope someday you’ll share it with us so we can properly help you.” A single tear slid down the bridge of my nose, but I quickly wiped it away.
Getting emotional made no sense. As much as I was grateful to these amazing people, I would never make a call to my dad, police, or anyone else.
The fear ran inside me that Erik was right, and my dad would make me marry this guy, thinking I lost my virginity. I just couldn't trust anyone.
Not after what was done to me. I was seventeen years old. Life had just started for me, but as I studied the cabin behind me, I wondered if it was all I would ever have in my future.\
Rosa
“We are so fucking screwed,” Aaron whispered right above my ear, as he occupied the chair next to mine.
“Would you stop saying that?” I complained. “Everything is going to be fine.” Even though my voice held no conviction, I sure as hell tried to stay positive. We both gathered our books and bags from the library, where people already glared at us for disturbing the quiet. “He’ll understand.”
Aaron chuckled. “Right. I told you to tell him the truth, but you didn't listen.” We reached the door in record time and exited it to be greeted by a lovely evening in the middle of August. The weather was warm enough to wear short dresses and enjoy long walks, but cool enough not to drown in your own sweat. The clock showed after nine, and it was dark outside, with only lampposts on the street of the campus to light the way toward the main entrance.
“I didn't want to bother him with it.”
Aaron gave an exasperated sigh. “Seriously, Rosa? You could have told him we have finals coming up in a week, so we need to study together. Now he’s going to kill me.” He adjusted the eyeglasses he wore, because he was out of contacts today. “And rightfully so.” We quickened our steps with each of his words, hoping to arrive in time for him to leave before Dominic showed up here.
Aaron pretty much stuck like glue to me from our first class together, and insisted on providing orientation for me. He had a group of friends, and he sort of adopted me into his family. He lovedStar Wars, attended every comic con in close vicinity, and believed in world peace. Aaron was from Kentucky, where his girlfriend, Sylvie, waited for him to get his degree so they could live their happily ever after together.
Oh, and one more thing about Aaron? Dominic had no clue I had a male friend, or that for the last two weeks, we had studied together for biology and psychology.
“You are just a coward.”
He gave a look, which said, “You think,” and mused, “Um, have you seen that man of yours? I don’t freaking know who wouldn't be afraid of a mafia don!”
“Pakhan,” I instantly corrected, but he only shrugged.
“Same shit.”
The nerd in me wouldn't shut up. “Well, actually—”
“Good evening,krasavica.” We both stopped, probably having a deer-caught-in-headlights expression, as Dominic leaned back on his car, while Vitya and Vlad stood by, along with Lorenzo as he sipped his coffee.
“So fucking dead,” Aaron muttered, then cleared his throat and extended his hand to Dom for a shake. “Hey, nice to meet you, man.” Dom looked at the gesture, then at me, and then finally returned the handshake, and by the way Aaron winced, Dom made sure he felt it. “Aaron,” he added, snatching his hand back and shaking it a bit to get blood circulation back into the whitened skin.
“Dominic.” His voice actually stayed calm, and his blank expression gave nothing away. But it didn't escape my notice how his amber pools darkened, indicating the actual depth of emotion.
Aaron shifted from foot to foot, lifted the backpack on his shoulder higher, and addressed me. “So, Rosa, same time tomorrow?”
Oh, he would get it from me tomorrow. He purposely worded it like that, so I’d have to explain to Dominic this arrangement. As a guy, he believed my boyfriend, even though I told him he wasn't my boyfriend, should know if his girlfriend hung out with other guys, even if it was completely innocent.
Licking my dry lips, I replied shakily, not liking the attention of all men focused on me, “Sure.”
Aaron clenched his hand in a fist and raised it to me, and I did the same as our knuckles hit each other. “Bye, doll.” With that, he went in the direction of the metro, as I stood with a very pissed-off male, while Vitya, Vlad, and Lorenzo didn't hide the fact they watched us closely, expecting drama to unfold.
Was that money they exchanged secretly while murmuring something? Just what were they betting on?
“Dominic—” I started, but he didn't let me finish.
“Rosa, it’s okay.” He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. I had a major feeling I screwed up big time, when things between us had just started to move in the right direction.
For the last month, he did nothing but woo me with an elegance and class I hadn't expected from a man like him. Dinners, Broadway shows, trips to the zoo, concerts of classic and rock music, museums, picnics. Each day, he always had something interesting planned for us to do. We explored the city together, allowing me to enjoy the freedom I didn't have before. He never crossed the line, giving me a kiss here and there, but otherwise, he wooed me like a princess, and I couldn't have asked for a better… well, knight in shining armor.
