Page 139 of Unravel Me

But I’m too far gone to be convinced. I saw Rocco run away, and the image is ingrained in me, stirring my trauma and fear. The bastard is free to continue his revenge.

"He won't stop. Believe me, I know exactly what he's like." I back away another step, my whole body trembling. "That man is walking death."

I don't want to talk anymore.

Maybe Renato truly believes in some inevitable punishment, but this beautiful, almost fairy-tale world of theirs has its limits.

It exists here, hidden inside this little town and its scenic woods. Beyond it lies the brutal, merciless world I know, one where people like Rocco rule with guns instead of magic, and where the forest has no voice at all.

But I can't bear to say any of that out loud. They'd already suffered enough today, and they'd be safer without me anyway. I spin around, run past the soldati still pinned to the lawn by the vines, and sprint toward my car. No one tries to stop me.

I jump behind the wheel, start the engine, and drive away.

It can’t be over. This nightmare will be back. No matter what Renato claims, I've seen too much in my life, and I've clung to too many false hopes before. I'd even fooled myself into believing I'd finally escaped, when the truth is that I was never truly safe anywhere.

As I drive, I catch sight of my reflection in the rearview mirror.

The shock nearly sends me off the road because my hands jerk so violently on the steering wheel.

My ears aren't rounded anymore. Their tips have become noticeably… pointed.

The fuck?

I swallow hard, quickly pull my hair forward to hide them before tightening my grip on the steering wheel.

It's going to be a long drive home.

CHAPTER 28: MAURO

Present Day

I curl my hands into fists, staring at the two cars as I weigh my options, and that's when I see one of the doors swing open.

One of Rocco's closest men steps out, his loyal soldier, Nico Rossi.

Both of his hands are raised as he walks toward my Jeep.

I watch him carefully, every muscle in my body tense, but he doesn't appear to be armed. I keep my pistol in a firm grip, angled so he knows that if he tries anything, I'll react with deadly force. With my free hand, I quickly type a message into my phone.

"Stay at least fifteen feet away from me."

"Mauro," Nico says, "I'm here on Rocco's behalf. He wants to talk to you."

I roll my eyes because I have absolutely no interest in hearing anything Rocco has to say, then type my reply.

"I'm not talking to him. Funny how he changed his mind so fast and suddenly wants a conversation."

Surprise flickers across Nico's face before he frowns.

"Changed his mind?"

I let out a frustrated breath.

"I'm not playing these games. I have nothing to say to him. The only thing I want is Jared’s safety. I couldn't care less about Rocco. As far as I'm concerned, he can rot."

Nico sighs.

"He just wants a few words with you. Jared is free."