For a brief moment, I contemplate running away. What if I just don't go home?
But I can't. Not only do I have nowhere else to go, but I know Lia will be the one to pay if I don't return. I'd rather take the punishment myself than have anything happen to her.
Sighing, I try to take my mind off it. Either my parents or Franzè is going to make sure I'm put in my place. Now, as to what that entails…
I shake my head, forcing myself to put those thoughts aside. It won't do any good to dwell on the inevitable.
And then there's Enzo—that goddamn devil who proved to me why the world isn't a safe place for a girl like me. He'd sought to take advantage of me at every turn. That I got away with my virtue intact is astounding, all things considered.
There had been a moment, when he'd cut the shirt off my body, that I'd feared the worst. I acted foolishly, but I defended myself the only way I knew how—by taking control of my own death.
I get angrier the more I think about him and the mess he dragged me into. Better to kick him out of my head too. It's not like we're ever going to see each other again.
The waiting room is an enclosed space near the docks, and I can see the boats from my seat. I'm getting sleepy, but I don't trust myself to wake up in time for the ferry, so I force my eyes open.
I start watching the people come and go, and soon, an hour has already passed.
Suddenly, I flinch awake, and blinking twice, I will my eyes to stay open.
No! I fell asleep.
Turning toward the clock,I breathe a sigh of relief when I see that my ferry hasn't departed. I stand up and stretch, ready to go to the docks.
Just then, four men in black suits enter the room. All of them are wearing dark sunglasses, which is odd considering the sun's not fully out yet. I shrug and start to move past them.
I'm passing by when one of them grabs my arm, thrusting me back forcefully.
"You're sure it's her?" one man asks, taking off his glasses and perusing me from head to toe.
"Yes. She was the one shooting at us." He nods at the others, and they quickly grab my hands.
I start struggling and kicking my legs around, hoping to hit them and make them let me go.
"Little bitch." A palm connects with my cheek, and I reel back, my vision swimming.
It's them…the people who were after Enzo.
"Take her. She might be of use later." He turns his back, leaving two men behind to drag me out.
"I'm calling dibs," the brute holding onto my arm says, turning his face toward me, a grin that shows rotten teeth making me recoil in disgust.
Dear God!
A fear unlike any I've felt before settles deep in my bones.
I won't let them!
Pushing against the man holding me, I use my legs to kick at the other. Tears are running down my cheeks as I use all my remaining energy to fight. Exhaustion, hunger, and sickness are all converging to hold me back, my body sapped of all strength.
One sudden movement and I'm kicked to the ground, my head bumping into a chair.
There's someone else in the room, and he's fighting the two men, seemingly winning.
"Come, little tigress," a familiar voice says, helping me to my feet. I blink rapidly, trying to regain focus, and Enzo is peering down at me, his expression full of worry.
"Are you okay?" he asks, tugging me closer to his body and letting me lean on him.
Why did he come back?
