46
SLOANE
Standing in what was once my closet is like stepping into a time warp. All the clothes Cristian bought me five years ago are still on hangers. Most of them I didn’t even have an opportunity to wear. They all smell freshly laundered, and I can’t believe he didn’t toss everything out with my lying ass. Apart from a fresh layer of paint, the room is exactly how I remember it too. Even the body wash and shampoo I just used in the bath are the same brands I used when I lived here. It’s like this entire room is a shrine to me.
Dropping the towel, I pick out clean panties, a pair of jeans, and a white tank top for under the pink silk blouse. All my old bras are way too big now, so I’ll have to go braless. After dressing, I slip my feet into my old comfy slides and head out to find Cristian.
It’s surreal being back here and seeing Cristian, Elio, and John Angelo again. We dropped Elio at Isotta’s apartment even though he begged his dad to cancel the sleepover so he could come with us. Cristian warned him to keep my reappearance a secret before escorting him to his aunt’s place alongside Umberto. It gave John Angelo and me a chance to talk privately for a few minutes.
I’m still mulling over everything he told me about the desperate lengths Cristian has gone to over the years to find me. I don’t understand it. I betrayed him in the worst way. He should hate my guts. He certainly did the day he held a gun to my head and basically told me I was dead to him. John Angelo reassured me he doesn’t mean me any harm, and I’m safe here. I’ve learned to listen to that inner voice and trust my instincts, and it tells me to accept the help Cristian is offering. At the very least, we are both owed a conversation.
“Hey,” I say when I enter the kitchen to discover Cristian unpacking a large takeout bag.
“Hi.” He stops removing cartons, letting his gaze rake over me from head to toe. It feels like a sensual caress, and I shiver all over.
My body certainly hasn’t forgotten the way he used to make me purr with pleasure. No lover before or after has ever matched up to him.
Cristian’s eyes briefly linger on my much smaller chest, and I’m not surprised he’s noticed because it’s a big change—pun intended. “I had the implants removed a couple of years ago.” I don’t mention the reconstructive surgery needed to tighten my overstretched skin because it’s private. “Fuentes forced them on me, and I hated everything they represented.”
Cristian nods, his expression pained.
“John Angelo said you pieced together my story. That you know the cartel kidnapped me and my mother when we were on vacation.”
“Yes, but a lot of it was guesswork. I’d like you to tell me if it’s not too difficult.”
“Can we eat first? I’m starving.”
“Of course.” He unloads the rest of the bag. “I hope takeout is okay. We live in Glencoe now, and I only stay here a couple days a month, so the refrigerator hadn’t been restocked, and the pickings were slim.”
“I’m not fussy, and it smells delicious.”
“I wasn’t sure what you wanted, so I got a ton of different things.”
“Thank you.”
We don’t talk as we open cartons and heap food on our plates, but we’re both sneaking glances at one another, and I wonder if butterflies are swooping through his chest the same way they are through mine. Not that I’m under any illusion about what this is. Cristian obviously feels guilty for not protecting me, and this is his chance at redemption. It doesn’t mean we get to live out the fantasy we got a taste of. I’m a very different person, and I’m sure he is too. It’s not like we could pick up where we left off, even if we wanted to.
“By the way, I located your car. It’s been impounded, but I’ll process the paperwork to have it released. Then I’ll get it towed to the garage and repaired. John Angelo will arrange one of my men to pick up your things.”
“I appreciate it, thanks.” It’ll be good to have my stuff. All I took when I fled was my gun and my wallet.
“Wine?” Cristian asks, reaching for two glasses.
“I’ll pass in favor of water and some pain pills.”
His face instantly dissolves into concern. “You need to be checked out. I’ll call Natalia.”
“Don’t bother. Nothing is broken, and a few bruises won’t kill me.”
“For me, please.”
“It’s Saturday night. Let the woman enjoy her downtime.”
“She’s on shift in the city, and I know she won’t mind dropping by on her way home.”
I shrug. “Okay then. If you insist.”
I carry our plates and glasses of water to the table while Cristian calls the doctor.
