I remember waking up unconscious in an alley from one of Julian’s abusive encounters. The memory makes me shiver. I was alone and vulnerable there, unconscious. Anything could have happened, but Mateo saved me.
I just pray he can do it again.
I must have had the same dream because, once again, I feel like I am not in control of my life. I am at the mercy of Mr. Martinez. I just hope that we come out of this. If we do, it will be on the other side, finally waking up from this nightmare.
Chapter Thirty-Four
EVIE
“Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon” by Rafferty
We were served in our room like we were told we would be yesterday by Adalia. The food, shockingly, wasn’t bad. I would even consider it some of the best I’ve had in a long time. I expected to be served subpar meals, but then again, nothing has been what I’ve anticipated since arriving here.
We are getting comfortable the best we can, lounging on the bed, deep in our thoughts, when there is a knock at the door. I flinch, and Emma sucks in a breath. Is this it? Is it time for them to drag us out of here like cattle to the auction barn? We were not expecting anyone after our meals, and we don’t know what time it is. The sun is still shining outside.
Emma grabs onto my hand just as the door opens. Adalia enters, breezing in with her skirt flowing behind her and carrying two packages in her hands. She has a beaming smile plastered on her face, and I can’t help but wonder if she is possibly drugged. No one can be that delusional, but wait, this whole house is.
Maybe it’s something in the water.
I quickly look over at my empty glass as it sits on the counter, condensation pooling around the bottom, and I snicker, thinking how Emma is silently cringing at it. If it didn’t bother her, then we indeed have more significant problems.
“Hi, ladies. Your wonderful brother asked me to bring these to you. He is sorry he couldn’t visit but he is so busy with his father.”
I look over at Emma, whose nose is crinkled up at the tip, trying to hide her disgust but failing miserably. I stand, trying to sound excited. “Oh. I love presents, Adalia. What is it?”
Emma is now staring at me, wondering what I am up to.
Adalia practically jumps up with glee. “Dresses!” she exclaims. “Beautiful dresses.” She claps her hands. “Isn’t that great?”
“Wonderful.”
“Can we open them now, Adalia?” Emma asks, joining us, and I bet it kills her to be this type of fake nice to her.
Adalia picks one package up and hands it to Emma. “Of course, silly goose.”
Emma accepts the package and mouths, ‘Silly goose.’
I quickly turn away to hide my chuckle. “Is that mine?” I point to the other remaining package.
Adalia nods and hands it to me. I open the package, and in it is a red fitted dress that should come to land around mid-thigh. It is short. A pair of black patent red-soled stiletto shoes complete the ensemble.
I look over to Emma. She opens her box, which holds a green halter dress with a similar style and length along with chain-style black leather red-soled shoes. She holds up the shoes, and her eyes light up.
“Not bad, Mattie.” Emma clicks her tongue.
Adalia squeals in delight. “I knew you’d like them.”
I nod in agreement. “It’s like Christmas.” I look over to Emma, and she snorts.
“Literally, green and red. Our favorite colors.”
Adalia looks over at the dress. A slight frown forms on her lips. They purse when she notices the green and red colors clashing like a Walmart Christmas portrait people mock on social media sites.
I reach out to her and grab her by the wrist to get her attention. Her eyes dart over to me, and I drop her wrist.
“They are really lovely dresses, Adalia. Will you please thank our brother for us?” This seems to make her spirits rise a bit. I cringe at my fakeness spewing forth.
“Of course!” she exclaims, clapping her hands together.
