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I don’t know what I expect. Heaven knows the men in this city have proven to be anything but charming. But Dante just watches me curiously.
“Trust me. You’re going to like the beach house even better. Talk to your sister. She will agree this is what’s best.”
I try not to scowl at him like a child. None of these people should be able to tell me what to do, yet they’re the mob and very dangerous, so I guess that means they can.
“You need to rest,” he tells me when silence ensues.
“When are we supposed to be going to this ‘safe house?”
“When you feel up to it.”
I push my chair out, feeling a weariness come over me that I didn’t feel before. I need to lie down again.
“I’m going to lie down,” I say quietly, taking my mug with me. I turn at the doorway. “Dante?”
His eyes flick to mine. In the dim light, he looks like he stepped off the front of a magazine. He raises his brow in question.
“Are you coming to the safe house?” I don’t know why I ask him that, but I find myself really wanting to know the answer.
“Yes. I’ll be coming,” he says. “If you’re okay with that?”
I don’t know why he cares if I’m okay with it. He’s made it clear I have no choice.
Still, I can’t deny there’s something about knowing he will be there that brings me comfort. I’ve no idea what to do with that.
“I think that choice has been made for me.” I’m too tired to fight.
Without lingering, I head back to bed. Pretty sure I hear him mumbling,impossible woman.
* * *
I sleep easily after my talk with Dante, but it’s short-lived. As I wake, I keep seeing that awful place in the forefront of my mind. The smell of gasoline mixed with the ocean. My stomach hurts as I roll over and curl my legs up.
Tears leak from my eyes.
I can’t stop thinking about Caroline and Ashley. Ashley will be back from her vacation. I wonder if they bought what Rayne had texted them. Surely one of them would have tried to call me. Should I be grateful for the fact they didn’t call the police? My sister’s life would have been in danger if the police had become involved.
Then again, as far as I know, the Medicis own the police in this town. Maybe it wouldn’t have mattered.
I’ll talk to Rayne about the safe house. It isn't up to them, in spite of what Dante and his brother may want. I need to try to put this behind me and get back to my normal life.
Whatever that may be.
I lay staring at the wall as the house slowly wakes. I hear a knock on the door, and Rayne quietly comes inside as I look over my shoulder at her.
“Are you okay, Mia?” she whispers. Her face is edged with concern, and she also looks like she may have had an insufficient sleep.
“I’m alright.” I nod. “I woke early.”
“How did you sleep?”
“Terrible.” I shrug. “Nonetheless, I expected that.”
She comes to sit on the edge of the bed. “Are you hungry? I can make you some breakfast.”
I shake my head.
“You have to eat something, Mia.”
