Somehow, even in my seven-inch heels, I manage to make it to the front door. I’ve never known fear like this—the terror of facing a possible group assault.
Every nerve in my body screams, and my blood rushes through my veins like a raging river. I grab the handle and press it down repeatedly. I’m so panicked that my brain can’t process the fact that the door is locked.
After several futile attempts, I let out a wail of frustration and turn back around. The men in the room remain frozen in place, staring at the floor.
And then I see Tony. His face is flushed with anger, and he’s charging toward me like a bull seeing red. A whimper of fear escapes me as I bolt toward the staircase.
I take the stairs two at a time, but the cursed heels cause me to slip halfway up, and I tumble onto the steps. I hold my stomach to protect my baby, but my chest slams against the edge of a step, and a cry of pain escapes my lips.
“Lucia!”
Tony’s voice snaps my head around. He’s at the bottom of the stairs, staring up at me with fear etched on his face instead of anger.
I don’t waste a second. Like a deer fleeing a lion, I scramble to my feet. I don’t even know where I’m running, I just need to escape.
I dart into the first open room, hoping to lock myself inside, but there’s no lock on the door. Tony’s already reached the last step.
In panic, I run for the balcony. Without thinking, I climb over the railing and squeeze into the narrow gap behind it. I’m not even scared of falling, I just need distance from those men.
Tony bursts into the room. The second he sees me on the edge, his eyes widen. For a moment, he freezes, but then he begins to move toward me slowly, extending a hand.
“D…don’t come closer,” I stammer, gripping the railing like it’s the only thing keeping me alive.
Only now do I notice how badly I’m shaking. My teeth are chattering. But the adrenaline surging through me gives me the strength to climb a mountain if I had to.
Tony ignores my plea and steps closer. His chest rises and falls rapidly, his breathing uneven.
This time he raises both hands in surrender, his voice soft and coaxing. “Come here, princess. You’re safe. No one’s going to touch you.”
Tears flood my eyes and I scream, “You’re lying! You brought all those men here to rape me!”
His nostrils flare, and the raging bull returns. “I was just trying to scare you. No one touches you but me. Ever. No one is even allowed to look at you. Did anyone try to stop you when you ran through them? Don’t tell me you’re stupid enough to believe my bluff, Lucia.”
I shake my head helplessly, refusing to believe him.
He takes another step forward, his voice softening. “Fine. I went too far. I’m sorry, okay? Now, come on. Where you’re standing is dangerous. Let’s go home.”
I look at him, studying his face. He stares back, unblinking, as if daring me to test the sincerity of his words.
“Do you promise?” I choke out.
His hands lower slightly as he steps onto the balcony, extending one toward me. “I swear, princess. Come on. Give me your hand.”
My grip on the railing loosens, and I feel the adrenaline draining from my body. Weakness begins to take over, and a cold wind brushes against my skin, leaving tiny goosebumps.
I reach out for Tony’s hand, but before I can grasp it, a sharp pain shoots through my lower abdomen. I cry out, clutching my stomach with both hands.
That’s when the ground beneath me vanishes. I stumble backward as Tony lunges for me, his hand outstretched. Our fingertips barely brush before I slip out of reach.
For one split second, all I see is pure horror in Tony’s eyes.
The next, the black sky.
Then the impact hits, much sooner than I expect.
And after that, nothing but darkness.
SEVENTEEN
