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“Who am I to stand in the way of love at first sight? Apparently that’s what happened.”
A bad feeling settles in my gut.Why wouldn’t she have mentioned this at the party? Why did she kiss me? Is this why she’s stopped texting me?
“Anyway, we’re having a little dinner party tonight to celebrate. Not that Rosa knows; she’s been very quiet about it all. I’ve barely seen her. Can you make it? Bring Maria?”
Running a hand down my face, I take a final drag of the cigarette and stub it out on the gravel.“I’ll be there.”
I need to see her with my own eyes.
If she is happy, it might break my heart, but I won’t stop it. I could never do that to her. I swallow past the lump in my throat. I want her to be happy, but with me. Only ever me.
I can’t let her go, not now, not ever.
And if anything is a kick in the ass, a wedding invitation will do it.
CHAPTERFORTY-ONE
rosa
Itwiddle the massive engagement ring that rests on my finger taunting me. He’s making sure it’s clear to everyone who I belong to. Even down to the engagement ring. Every time I look at it, I feel sick to my stomach.
He invited my sister to dinner last night so I could ask her to be a bridesmaid. She has no idea who he is. Dad made sure I told no one else to hide from the shame of it all. I, however, decided not to tell her to protect her. I don’t know if I managed to convince her this is real. She has suspicions, I’m sure. I just hope she doesn’t pry too much and bring Dante’s attention back on her.
But I’m doing this to protect her. She has a life to live, one not consumed by nightmares. She is my only family. I know what this man can do, and I won’t let him.
I just have to bide my time and find a way out of this. Somehow.
As the days have gone by, he’s gotten more restrictive. First, he made me stop seeing Dr. Jenkins. Then, he took my phone. It was my lifeline to Luca.
He drops me outside the doors to college and picks me up the second I walk out of the classroom. There is no escape from him.
Every damn day, I have to battle the urge to drink this away. I can’t even count the amount of times I’ve poured a glass of chilled white wine. I’ve even sniffed it. I manage to pour it away. Holding on to the tiny shred of hope that I can find a way out of this hell.
After a scalding hot shower, I pick out an outfit, one I used to wear back in my partying days. I slip it on and look in the mirror. A deep red wrap dress that falls just above my knees, pinching me in at the waist. I swipe on a matching lipstick. I need to hide what I’m feeling.
I can do that on the outside.
I jump as the front door slams shut, vibrating throughout the house. I quietly shut my bedroom door.
“Rosa. Are you ready to go?” Dante shouts from the hallway.
“Two minutes,” I call back.
I snatch my clutch off the dressing table. Not that I need it. I don’t even have a phone right now. But I need something to put my sneaky pack of cigarettes in.
As I round the corner, he’s resting on the doorframe, holding his hands in front of him that are smothered in gold rings. His eyes roam my body up and down, settling on my breasts.
I pull down on the hem of my skirt uncomfortably as he assesses me.
“I like.” He licks his lips and stalks towards me. I squeeze my purse into my chest.
When he reaches me, his boozy breath hits against my cheek.
“Let’s go put on a show for Uncle Frankie. Seeing as I now work for him and Luca. You’re looking at their newest recruit.”
My eyes go wide.
“What?” Just him saying his name is like a kick to the chest. Not Luca.“I’m weaving my way into your life in every way, baby girl. There is no escaping me.”He laces his fingers through mine and drags me towards the door.
