“You got it, kiddo.” He sounds pleased, and it makes me happy.
Damn it! I have to suppress this feeling now before it gets worse.
The train finally stops.
We arrive at Milan.
The city is shrouded by clouds that block the sun and lower the temperature. Gray and brown colors are everywhere. European buildings and the narrow city streets are not bad at all, but somehow, I don’t feel safe here.
Maybe it’s because someone tried to kidnap me? Yep, that would be it.
Rage’s rough voice emerges in my ear. “Don’t go directly to the hotel. Just to be safe, take a detour, grab something to eat, and look around you while you are at it. Familiarize yourself with the sounds and noises from the street. This is not like Spain.”
“Funny you say that. I was just thinking this isn’t anything like Spain,” I whisper. I’m in the street talking to myself.
“Excellent, you are a natural. Becoming aware of your surroundings and identifying how they differ from other places is key to survive.”
There is that feeling again.
Stop!
As I walk through the streets, I feel more comfortable. Milan is modern and old combined. People seem fashionable and elegant. I like it here.
Rage’s voice walks with me. Having him near, makes me feel less alone in this world.
“I was going to say that you were overreacting a bit, but I did just get drugged and almost kidnapped, so yeah, I get it. What was it, by the way? Do you even know?”
“We’d have to test your blood to be sure, but based on your symptoms, everything points out to scopolamine. These kinds of groups operate very similarly to one another, and that seems to be the drug of choice.” His voice is serious and sexy as fuck.
What would my life would be like if I'd accepted Rage’s offer? I would feel safe with him, for sure but, but would I be able to love him?
Sunset is already here, and the restaurants start their day. The smell of food is everywhere. My stomach growls, of course.
“My stomach is roaring. Food joints, here I go!” I let them know.
“You better eat pizza, Snow White; you are in freaking Italy!”
“You’re right! I’m still kind of numb from before. Pizza it is.”
“Just get to it. This isn’t a fucking field trip!” Rage says.
I find a pizzeria and sit down inside the place at a table for two right next to a window. From here I have a clear view of the entrance and the streets, plus I’ve got the back exit just a few feet behind me. The place is cozy, and it looks like a family-owned restaurant in a small, secluded town. The walls are decorated with old pictures. In some of them men are standing still, posing for their photo in front of the restaurant. Some others have people kneading dough. All their faces sport smiles and show that happiness has always surrounded the place. I’m guessing these were taken when this was spanking new.
There’s a loud TV in here, and a bunch of men watching a soccer match. I can’t understand what they are saying, but they seem to be worked up with whatever is happening. Sometimes they are louder than the TV. Everyone is watching the game; this is perfect for me.
The waiter approaches me with a pitcher of water, fills a glass, and asks for my order. I tell him I want his favorite pizza. He storms off toward the kitchen. I look at the glass of water and wonder if I should drink it.
I sigh loudly.
“What’s wrong?” Carter wonders.
“Oh, there you are. I thought you guys had left me alone. I’m trying to decide if I should drink the water the waiter just served me from a pitcher.”
“I don’t think everyone is thinking about hurting you, Sarah.”
“Yeah, you’re right.” I’m being paranoid. I drink the ice-cold water and start to relax just as the waiter comes back with the biggest pizza ever.
“La migliore pizza del paese,” he announces with a smile.
