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“You think I should let her go back home?”It would mess up all of my plans for Marco, but right now, I don’t even care. Seeing her this sick makes my chest hurt for her.
Mom shakes her head. “No, not if that life is what put her in this mess. Right now, you are her best option. I know you’d never hurt the girl. Just be careful with this.” She places her hand over my heart, the warmth from her palm burning into my chest.
I tilt my head while looking down at the creases framing her eyes. “I don’t think that will be an issue.”
I’ve never given my heart to anyone. I am certain this is the same. Just because I want to help her doesn’t mean I’m going to be madly in love with her. Even if she is the first woman in a long time to cause a spark in me just by being near her.
“Call me if you need anything, I’m heading to my Zumba class. Here is a list of everything you need to order for Rosa.” She hands me a slip of paper that is covered on the front and back with her delicate handwriting.
“Love you, Mom.” The light smell of her chamomile soap envelops me as she gives me a quick kiss on my forehead.
“I love you, too. Now get back in there; she needs you.” The bracelets on her wrist jingle as she pulls the door closed behind her.
After a quick shower, I almost feel human again. Tiptoeing down the hall, I peer through the crack in Rosa’s door to see she’s sound asleep. Good, I have a little while. My own body is starting to itch from the lack of nicotine.
I head out onto my balcony, closing the sliding glass door behind me and spark up. Kicking my feet up on the little glass table, I watch as the clouds float by above my head.The last twenty-four hours have been a fucking eye opener. My heart hurts for the suffering of that woman on my bed.
She might not have anyone to protect her, but while she’s here, I will step up.
I get my phone and start on a mission. I need a therapist and some research. I need to know exactly what I’m dealing with and the best way to help her.
CHAPTERTEN
rosa
My head is pounding, making me groan, as I crack my eyelids to see the sunlight streaming into the room. My face slides against the silky pillows, the unfamiliar sandalwood scent a fast reminder I’m not at home.
Shit, where am I?
I bolt upright, and my eyes land on Luca. His elbows are resting on his knees, holding his head up. How long has he been here?
“How are you feeling?” His voice is gravelly, like he’s tired.
I rub my forehead. The headache is so intense I can barely even think through it. “I’m okay, I think. How long have I been out of it?”
His sharp jaw clenches as his green eyes darken. “Five days.”
I don’t totally remember the last few days. A lot of throwing up and so much pain. I feel absolutely disgusting. When I pull back the covers, I’m surprised to see myself in a black oversized t-shirt and dark sweatpants that I don’t even recall getting into.
Swinging my legs over the bed, I suck in a breath to stop the room spinning. I’ve never been so weak in my life. I never, ever want to experience this again.
When I slowly push myself up, Luca jumps across the room with his arms out like he’s ready to catch me if I fall. Leaning against the mattress, I steady myself.
He stands right next to me. “I’m here to help you, if you need it.”
I grab onto his arm, my legs are so wobbly. “This is fucking embarrassing,” I mutter to myself. Even if he is my captor, no one should have ever seen me like this.
“You’re good, Rosa. You’ve got this.” He’s like a rock, firm and steady next to me.
I hiccup. My emotions are too much right now.
“I’m sorry you’ve had to deal with this. I bet this wasn’t what you signed up for when you kidnapped me.”
His warm palm covers my hand resting on his. “This isn’t about me. If this is what it takes to heal you, then I’m glad I did it.”
He doesn’t know what I’m running from. I bet if he did, if he knows how tainted I am, he wouldn’t be saying that. No one would.
As I take a step forward, my footing falters and I crash into his chest. His strong arms wrap around me, and for the first time in my life, I feel safe. I probably shouldn’t, not knowing who he is. My dad’s enemy, a mafia boss. But right now, he is all I have. Of all the evils in my life, Luca is my best option. I close my eyes for a second, letting the sound of his heart calm me, his chest rising and falling steadily.
