Her silence meant she was purposely holding her laughter.
Lowering one hand, I turned my head and opened my eye. Now, she doubled over, giggling as if she was truly enjoying the freak show my life had become. Even though I loved my suite of rooms, every time I stepped foot inside the house, an invisible shock collar was automatically placed around my neck.
Even now, the pressure was real.
“Then find some excitement. Who knows. Maybe you’ll meet a handsome stranger at your birthday party.”
“You are a dreamer, Sedona Rossi. A true dreamer.”
“Not nearly as much as you are, Rafaela Marichetti.” She lifted her arm, moaning as soon as she did. “I’m late. My father is insisting on taking us out to dinner.”
“What’s the occasion?”
“A celebration of power, and renewal. According to my father.”
In layman Cosa Nostra terms, that meant there had been an abrasive occurrence within the regime. Someone had died today, an enemy of the people. In addition, their territory had been claimed. I wondered how many innocent people would die because of a heinous deal made.
I shuddered from the thought, although I was used to the violence, an occurrence all throughout my life.
Sitting up, I shoved the dresses aside. A decision wouldn’t be made tonight. Besides, I had a week to lament over my choices. “I’ll see you in school tomorrow.”
“Chin up,” she told me as she stood. “Why not use the opportunity of whatever this celebration is to ask your father about the university one more time.”
I thought about her suggestion and shrugged. “Maybe. Depending on his mood.” Who was I kidding? It depended on whether or not he managed to sell my body to the very highest bidder. How much did his greedy little mind need to destroy my life? All because I was a virgin. I knew the drill.
“Have faith, girl. Things will look up. Talk to you tomorrow.” She scratched Golden Angel behind the ears before leaving my room.
As soon as she did, I fell back onto the bed, groaning as I’d done before. My little angel jumped on the comforter, settling her big paws on my chest and taking the opportunity to lick my face. “My sweet girl. You’ll never leave me.” Her tail thumped wildly, her entire body wiggling as she fought to get closer. My dog was my rock, the only bright spot in my life.
Considered my emotional support animal, she came with me wherever I went. A plus in my world since I had few friends.
I stroked her fur, trying to keep from falling into my usual despair, but lately, I’d found it increasingly difficult to maintain a sense of happiness or even balance. My life just wasn’t my own and likely never would be.
“Yes, baby girl. Mommy loves you.” After a few seconds of her panting and her hot breath cascading across my face, I had a brilliant idea. “How about a walk? Would you like that?”
My baby was always up for a walk and one thing I was allowed was free rein of the grounds without a bodyguard trailing behind me.
Her single woof brought laughter. “Okay, girl. Let’s get going.” Hopping off the bed, I grabbed her leash just in case, although she never defied me by running off. With Golden Angel by my side, Tomaso barely offered a look as we walked by. At least he’d soon be off for the evening.
Not that I’d be going anywhere. The evening would be as usual, dinner followed by spending time in my room by myself.
My own personal prison.
The moment I stepped outside, a strange sense of being watched filtered through me. I adored the vineyards and other grounds, including the landscaped areas featuring so many flowers and gorgeous shrubs. The exterior was my mother’s pet project, her adoration of the outdoors complete with fountains creating a maze of spectacular scenery.
If you’d never run the maze before or had never glanced at the design, you could get lost for hours. That’s one reason I adored the area so much. I’d purposely gotten lost just to stay away from my father over the years.
The lovely setting was not only beautiful with deep evergreen shrubs and vibrant flowering foliage in the summer with the ocean as a backdrop, but was also the most peaceful on the estate. Golden and I moved through the maze in minutes, her tail wagging the entire time.
I knew almost every inch of the grounds, my exploration providing me with both endless peace and inspiration for my art. Plus Golden Angel loved the time alone, sniffing to her heart’s content. When the days were warmer, I’d sneak off to the beach where we’d both play in the surf.
“Look what I have for you, baby!” I pulled a tennis ball from my pocket and immediately, her eyes lit up. Balls were her favorite toys and we could play for hours.
I tossed the ball, laughing as she raced to catch it in midair. My laughter was easier than before, her antics always putting me in a better mood.
We kept walking as I tossed the ball every few feet, enjoying the various scents as we headed toward the vineyards. Secretly, they were my absolute favorite location, but I could tell there were a few men working in the vines. Weeding was extensive, requiring additional seasonal help just like in the fall when it came time to pick the crops.
I stayed on the outskirts, noticing more than the usual full-time employees moving through the workers, likely instructing them what to do. Golden Angel brushed against the side of my leg, reminding me she was there. She was always there and had been since sleeping pills, antidepressants, hypnotherapy, and eight months of sessions with a psychiatrist specializing in traumas hadn’t managed to budge the countless nightmares.
