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“Hi.” I give the guys a wave.
“Hey,” they both grunt back.
They look familiar, but I can’t put my finger on why. It’s probably the fact they look quite Italian. Most of my dad’s guys did.
“Rosa, what are you having to drink? Vodka?” Jas asks.
“Just a soda and lime, please.” I flash her a tight smile, hoping she leaves it.
“God, you’re not pregnant, are you?” she gasps.
I spot the two guys shooting each other a look.
Shaking my head, I chuckle. “No, I’m just taking a break for a bit.”
Jas raises a brow at my words. I brace myself for another ‘you’re so boring’ lecture. But it doesn’t come.
“Oh my god, were you in rehab?”
I nod. It’s a hell of a lot easier than explaining I was kidnapped and fell for my kidnapper and got clean in that time.
“We were worried about you. So, hell, if drinking is off the table, we will join you.” She shoots a look at Liv. “Won’t we?”
Liv splutters on her champagne, placing it down on the table. “Yep. Just after this one.”
“It’s fine. I can be around alcohol. I’m not that bad. I just need a time out.”
I want to be able to enjoy a drink without having to black out and forget. Until I fix my mind, that isn’t happening.
“I’ll go get them, it’s okay! What are you all having?”
The group rattle off their orders, and I head to the bar. Tapping my Amex on the counter, I scan the room. Everyone is dancing and laughing. It’s funny, when I’m drinking, it makes everyone look like they’re having the time of their lives.When, deep down, I wonder how many are chasing away their own demons?
A man clearing his throat behind me catches my attention. I spin around. “Sorry, am I in your wa–”
All the oxygen is sucked from my lungs as I come face to face withhim. His amber eyes eat me up, his lips turned up into a sleazy smirk. That scar that runs along his left cheek. The face that haunts me.
Dante. My abuser. My rapist. My nightmare.
My heart begins beating at a thunderous pace as I back up into the bar.
“No, no, no. This can’t be happening.” My voice quivers.
“Is that how you’re going to greet me? After all these years, my Rosa.” His deep Italian voice brings bile to my throat. Even now, after six years.
“Get away from me, Dante,” I spit out while fighting backtears. I have to get away from him. Spotting an exit to my left, I make a dart for it.
Pain radiates up my arm as he grabs hold of my wrist and squeezes. Pulling me roughly againsthis chest, he wraps me tightly with his muscular arms until I can barely breathe.
“Baby girl. There’s no escaping me this time,” he grits out with venom in his tone.“I missed you so much, Rosa.”
This can’t be happening. The room starts to spin as he brings his mouth to my ear. I hold my breath, too afraid to move.
“I can’t wait to have you all to myself. God–” he sucks in a breath. “You smell just as pure as when I had you last.”
Before I can respond, he grabs me by the waist and lifts me into his arms.
“HELP, SOMEBODY!” I scream, hitting his chest, which vibrates against me as he laughs.
