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Whack!
He backhands me so hard I see stars. My palms slap against the bed, and my mouth remains agape as the sting ripples through my cheek. Anger flares through my chest, every part of me wanting to snap back and punch him in the throat.
Then my senses take over.
I’m in a house full of monsters… and there’s nothing I can do.
“Ashley Keen is a co-worker who isn’t even in the same department as you.” Donny is calm, like nothing violent transpired. “What about Bill, your direct boss? How about Kenneth, your neighbor? The one who practically salivates whenever you walk by your little set of townhomes?”
Fear strikes my gut. This is almost more violating than Gio’s hand on my leg.
Whatever comfort Donny’s presence gave me is gone. I was a fool to think otherwise.
“You played poker and lost. Now… let’s be clear.” Donny waits until I turn. “There will be no more nonsense out of you. You will remain here, in the Valentino safe house. It’s guarded at all times. I’ll keep you fed with meals better than you were eating, and in return, you won’t cause me anymore headaches.”
I don’t even try to stop the sneer.
“Before you answer with something smart, know that your next words will determine whether I chain you up in the basement with the rest of our tortured enemies.”
The image of bloodied mobsters being flayed and stabbed plagues my mind, and my anger drowns to fear once more.
He has to be kidding about that, right?
“This is your only warning,” Donny affirms. “Until I figure out how you’ll be of use to me, you’ll be quiet.” He waits for my response.
Through a set of quivering lips, I say, “Fine.”
Chapter 6
Ellie
I wait until the middle of the night to make my move. There was a moment, an instant, where I’d given up and placed all my bets on Donny protecting me – like he did with Gio. But the slap spoke of a single truth… the mafia is full of monsters.
Even if there are no car keys on the table, I’m leaving.
I’ll take my chances in the woods. It might take a day or two, but I’ll get to a road somewhere.
Gently, I roll the bedsheets off me and inspect my cut-up wrists. They patched me up good. And getting the ropes off were easy. Not to mention, I don’t feel as woozy as before. This can work.
Tip-toing to the door already proves to be anxiety provoking. Wondering whether there’s a bedroom directly beneath this one with one of Donny’s goons – just waiting for me to escape so they can start their hunt – makes me tremble.
Turning the knob, I’m careful not to make a sound, and smirk when the coast is clear. Maybe I really did convince Donny I’d stay put and cooperate.
Asshole.
If someone asks, I’m just looking for a bigger bathroom. No big deal.
The steps are marble. So as long as I don’t make a peep, or vibrate the railing, I should be able to escape without a hitch. My bare feet grow colder with each step, which reminds me… shoes. Hopefully the maid is a similar size to me. Either way, I’ll have to make do.
I gaze at the ceiling, noticing not one crack in the paint. Donny is methodical, and neat, like a serial killer. I bite my lip. There’s probably hidden motion sensors. Maybe even an alarm.
Fuck.
I’m hoping the Valentino’s are paranoid like my father – no wi-fi in the safe house. Burners only. That would be a relief.
I pass the kitchen island and peek through the shades to endless trees past the dirt road. Once I make a break for it, no one will be able to find me in the pitch-back abyss, especially if I stay hidden in the tree line. The challenge will be getting to an open road afterward.
My heart starts pumping hard the closer I get to the door. I look over my shoulder to make sure I’m still alone. My senses are heightened. Any pin drop could mean the end of me. It won’t be easy rationalizing looking for a bathroom near the front door. God, if Donny catches me here, who knows what he’ll let the Sicilians do to me as punishment.
