“If you like being together as a family and want to stay together, then what does it matter?” she interrupts hastily. “Haven’t your father and I always done what’s best for you? Haven’t we always made sure you’re taken care of?”
“I guess… in your own way…”
“You should be grateful for us. All that we’ve done for you.”
Any sense of nerve dulls. I can’t string together the words to refute Mom. Even though on the inside I’m still feeling anchored by grief and dread. I’m still feeling as if the situation I’m in isn’t what I’ve been led to believe.
Ignazio smokes his cigarette perched by the window. Mom and Dad return to their murmured exchange.
I drift off in the chair I’m seated in.
Caelian’s face appears first. Then the rest of his body materializes. His size as hulking as I remember him, his tattoos and muscles on display. He walks toward me, eclipsing me within seconds. I’m his again.
In my dreams, it feels so real. His lips touch mine and his palms maraud my body. It’s too good to be true. Which is why I sink deeper into the dream, realizing I don’t ever want to wake up.
Ignazio’s bearish snores force me to anyway.
I spring up in the office chair to find the room dark and the others fast asleep. Ignazio’s nodded off in a chair like me. Mom and Dad have chosen the sleeping bags on the floor. I sit and listen to the soundtrack of chirping crickets and Ignazio rumbling out snores. But it’s still not enough to drown out the startled thumps of my heart.
Forcing deep gulps of air, I blink out of my drowsiness and realize the dream wasn’t real. Daunting reality settles in, and I remember where I am and with whom. I’ve left Caelian because Mom and Dad needed my help. They wanted to ensure our family’s survival.
…or so I thought.
I hadn’t counted on the premonition plaguing me. I’m not relieved to be back with my family; I’m uncomfortable and on edge. I’m in the dark about whatever’sreallygoing on. Mom and Dad seem satisfied leaving me oblivious.
How could I be here when my rightful place is with Caelian?
Is he already out scouring the city for me? Does he miss me? Would he want me back?
I don’t think. I have to find out. If there’s even a chance…
After checking Mom and Dad are still knocked out in their sleeping bags, I rise off the office chair and tiptoe across the room. I’m not sure what I’ll do once I make it out of the warehouse. Vague memories of the last time I’d tried to flee like this come up—I’d found out Caelian had bought me out of my contract and had tried to escape my dorm building.
Halfway through the room, I stop to snag the to-go bag I’ve brought with me.
As I come up on the door, there’s a real chance it could happen again. If Caelian’s already started looking for me, he could spring out any second and jam another syringe in my throat. I wouldn’t protest if he did…
But he doesn’t show up. He doesn’t impede me on my escape attempt.
Instead, Mom jerks awake from her sleeping bag and shouts, “Nevaeh! What are you doing?”
A metaphorical spotlight shines on me.
Dad sputters awake. Ignazio flips out of his office chair and smacks onto the ground.
Mom hops to her feet and darts for the light switch.
When the light does come on, it nearly blinds me. I squint against the sudden brightness.
Really, it’s the horror of being caught.
Mom marches up to me with suspicion narrowing her eyes. “Were you about to leave?”
“I… I was going to the bathroom,” I stammer.
“With your bag?”
“I have personal items in here?—”
