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"Then a boat to Miami, and a plane ride to Elena's city of choice." Alessa smiles warmly at the young woman. "Right?"
"Right!" Elena grins widely back at her and I have to admit, it's a better plan than getting her a plane ticket from New York. The Mancinis have deep roots in the city's transport industry, including the airports.
Resignation sinks through me. Whatever Alessa has planned, I'm committed to seeing it through.
I just pray I don't get knocked off by her "Daddy" before then.
* * *
My pulse quickens as the car enters the de Luca gates and goes slowly down the long drive toward the warmly-lit mansion. Whatever happens next, I need to stay alert. Johnny de Luca is not a man to be underestimated.
The car rolls to a stop beside an elegant stone fountain. I take a deep breath and step out into the night.
Despite my anxiety, the estate is undeniably beautiful, even at night. Manicured gardens stretch out on all sides, dotted with benches and marble statues that gleam in the moonlight. It's a world away from New York's gritty streets.
Alessa skirts the front steps and beckons us to the side, around the mansion to the back. "Elena, you'll be staying in my father's special getaway. This way."
I exchange an uncertain glance with Elena as we follow. But as we come into the backyard—if something so expansive can really be called that—I flash back to my abduction, and recognize the small wooden shed that Alessa pulled me out of that day.
Elena's face shows her disappointment at the sight of the shed, but I smile at her. "It's actually pretty cool," I tell her. "Wait and see."
Producing a key, Alessa unlocks the door and goes inside, where she hits a button to reveal the secret staircase down into the ground. She winks at Elena. "Why don't you go on down and see?"
Elena descends, and soon enough I hear her surprised gasp. "Wow!"
But I hesitate on the top step, anxiety washing over me. The last time I was here, I was bound to a chair, subjected to Johnny de Luca's scrutiny, and then Alessa's threats.
Sensing my hesitation, Alessa looks back and reaches out a hand to me. "I'm sorry to take you back here," she says softly. "But it was the only place I could be sure of. If you'd rather wait up here—"
"No. I'm okay."
I force myself to step forward, pushing back the dark memories as I follow Alessa down into the bunker. And this time, I can really appreciate it for what it is: a state-of-the-art security room paired with a comfortable living space. It has a very masculine feel, but it's…it's oddly comforting, all the same. Opposite the bank of screens—some of them are on this time, showing views of the outside of the shed above, and the driveway of the estate—the living area gleams with polished wood and leather. Those floor-to-ceiling bookcases that I noticed last time are laden with leatherbound volumes and artifacts I can only guess at the age and value of.
"The sofa pulls out," Alessa says to Elena. "Daddy likes to sleep here overnight sometimes if he…" She pauses, very carefully not looking at me. "If he comes home too late from work."
That's not what she was going to say. I picture Johnny the Gentleman coming home at three in the morning, stinking of fear and death.
I guess he doesn't want to bring that kind of thing into the main house.
Elena hesitantly moves to the center of the room, her eyes wide. She takes in the rich surroundings.
"My father will protect you here until we can secure passage," Alessa says. "It won't be long now."
The girl nods, her expression guarded. But I notice her shoulders relax slightly. However ominous this place might seem to me, it represents a safe haven for her.
"You can watch what's going on outside, too," Alessa says, gesturing to the surveillance screens. "Or turn them off if you need to sleep and get bothered by the light."
"Thank you," she says softly, meeting Alessa's gaze. "For everything. I know the risks you're taking..." Emotion chokes off her words.
Alessa squeezes her hand gently. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
I'm struck by the tenderness in Alessa's voice. With me, she's bold, flirtatious, always ready to undress me with her eyes. But here, her compassion for this frightened girl is undeniable.
She turns to me, some of her usual bravado returning. "We should let Elena get settled in. I'll give you a tour of the house if you like, while we wait for my father to get back from the city."
Elena opts to remain in the room, already turning on the TV in the living area to a Real Housewives repeat.
"Or maybe you'd like to stay and watch, too?" Alessa asks me with a smirk.
