Things between us are strained. They look at me like they think I’m going to bolt again, and I can’t quite trust them, even though I do believe they’re trying to keep me alive, and there is no way they will send me back to my family. I just know who they are, brutal bikers who shouldn’t give two shits about me. My own family doesn’t, so why would they? I’m nothing special. It really doesn’t make any sense, and that has me suspicious.
The shower I just had has made me feel slightly human again. But when I look at the reflection staring back at me, it’s not pretty. The whole left side of my face is bruised, and a thick white bandage is wrapped around my temple. I don’t even want to know what it looks like under there. I know they had to shave some of my hair off so they could operate. I’m sure it’s horrendous.
A blur of voices comes from the room, and I move to the door so I can make out who it is.
“Reef can’t hold her off for much longer, Jagger. He’s trying, but his hands are tied when it comes to the new commissioner. We need to get Daisy out of this place and to somewhere less obvious before she barges in,” comes Sloane’s voice. She’s been here every day to see me and bring sweet treats. She fills me in on the gossip around the club. It’s a nice distraction. But today she sounds pissed.
“You think I don’t know that? Ricky won’t let me move her until her condition improves,” Jagger practically yells.
“Olivia was waiting for me at the club this morning before we opened, demanding to see my books, checking over video surveillance for any signs of Daisy. She’s got it in for her, and we both know this is on you. Fucking fix it. I won’t have Daisy become a victim of Commissioner Sedgwick’s warpath on us.”
“She’s your aunt. Surely she’ll listen to you.”
I flinch when I hear that part. I hate knowing that bitch and Sloane are related.
“What did you do to her?” Sloane snaps.
“I’ll take care of it,” Jagger growls back.
“You’d fucking better.”
“It’s handled, alright. Get off my case. I have enough to worry about.”
I push open the door, not wanting to eavesdrop on their conversation anymore. It’s not helping my anxiety. I feel more trapped by the day, wanting so desperately to run from all of this, but I can’t. I’m not well enough to walk fast, let alone run from a gang of bikers, the police, and the mafia. I need time to heal and find someplace safe so I can come up with a plan.
“Daisy.” Sloane comes rushing toward me when she sees me, stopping before she throws her arms around me. Instead, she takes my hand, looking over me like she might break me if she were to hug me. She gives my hand a squeeze. “How are you today?” She hands me a little white box. “They had the chocolate mousse cake I know you like so much today.”
I force a smile. The sight of her has tears welling in my eyes. “Thank you, can’t wait to dig in.”
“You’re looking better every day. I’m sure you’ll be able to come home soon. Paige is dying to see you and go over some revisions she has for your audition routine.”
My head dips. “I can’t do the audition. Ricky says I won’t be well enough. I’m so sorry you went to all that trouble for me.”
She glances over her shoulder to Jagger. He nods, agreeing with me. Her gaze drifts back, pushing a smile onto her peachy lips. “Don’t worry about all that right now. You just need to focus all your attention on getting better.”
I collapse against my bed. “What’s the point? My life is over.” My shoulders drop, feeling like the world is perched on top of them, and I can’t hold it up anymore. I’ve tried to be okay for way too long, but I’m not.
She sits beside me, her presence a comforting warmth as her sweet perfume wafts over me. She taps my leg, as close as Sloane will ever get to offering a hug. “I know things feel hopeless right now, but you have lots to live for. You have us all supporting you, and you will have a promising future in dance. It might just have to wait till the next round of auditions, if that’s what Ricky is saying.”
The tears I’ve been holding back melt down my cheeks. We didn’t get into anything serious on the last couple of visits. I wasn’t ready to talk, but today, I can’t hold it together anymore. “Dante is in with them,” I cry.
“It would appear that way. I’m sorry, sis.” She gives my leg a squeeze.
“I can’t believe it. My whole life I thought he was my protective big brother, but he’s sided with my papa and his business associate.”
She shakes her head. “I’m as surprised as you are.”
“We need to watch this,” Jagger calls to us as he turns on the television. He’s been quiet until now, letting us talk quietly while he texted on his phone.
The volume of the television clicks up, and both Sloane and I direct our gaze toward it.
A pretty blonde female presenter in a tight pink blouse and pencil skirt stands at the front of the women’s health center we are currently cooped up in. My heart races, instantly knowing that whatever this is, I’m not going to like it.
“I’m here with the brother of missing person Margherita Moretti, also known as Daisy to her friends and family.” A photo of me from my wedding day to Valentine is flashed up on the screen, and I cringe. “Authorities believe Daisy was found after a terrible accident and is now recovering inside the new women’s health clinic. From what we’ve been told, she may be sufferingfrom a head injury and not even know who she is.” She holds a microphone to my brother.
“Please, Daisy, if you see this, get in contact with us. We’re all so worried about you. We just want you home safe and sound,” my brother says, looking genuinely sad.
Anger boils within my veins, and my fists clench at my sides. It’s all an act. I can see it now so damn clearly.
