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He steps closer, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His touch is tender. “I can handle myself, Madison. You focus on staying safe. That’s all I want.”
I can’t help but feel a rush of security that I’ve never felt. Even as a young kid growing up, I felt like I didn’t belong. But with him beside me, I find myself daring to hope. Maybe, just maybe, I can escape my past and find my happily ever after despite all the obstacles in our way. “I’ll stay safe,” I confirm.
He smiles, making butterflies erupt in my stomach. “Good girl.”
We continue our walk, the silence filled with a shared understanding. The road ahead is undoubtedly daunting, but with Dante by my side, I can’t help but feel a little less afraid. For the first time in a long time, I feel safe.
16
DANTE
Idrive far from Eva’s car, ensuring they don’t notice me.
I slip on my shades, giving me just the right amount of anonymity. I park a good distance away from their prying eyes. All five of them are there, having the time of their life.
A bitter taste fills my mouth. I wanted to be the one to show Madison this place. But I sit and watch, waiting for my moment.
They laugh, they eat, they take pictures. It’s all so disgustingly normal. I feel a wave of irritation wash over me. But then, Madison gets up and says something to the others. They don’t seem interested in whatever she’s proposing. I see her shrug and walk away.
Alone.
My heart starts to pound in my chest. This is my chance. I grab my mask from the back seat and pull it on. I follow her, carefully blending in with the surroundings. The waterfall roars nearby, its spray misting the air.
Madison wanders further, and the sound of the waterfall grows louder, drowning out the laughter and chatter of the picnic behind us. She’s so engrossed in the beauty of the forest that she doesn’t notice my presence.
She stops occasionally, her eyes wide with wonder, taking in the forest’s sights, sounds, and smells. I can’t help but smile.
Suddenly, I step on a twig. The loud snap echoes through the still air. Madison whips around, scanning the trees. I freeze, my heart hammering against my ribs, wondering if she’ll see me.
But then, she shrugs it off and continues on her way. I take a deep breath and continue following her. Hunting her. Then, in a clearing by the waterfall, she stops. She’s so close to the edge, her eyes fixed on the water cascading down the rocks.
This is it. The perfect opportunity. I draw in a breath, steeling myself. As silently as a shadow, I glide across the leaf-littered ground, my gaze locked on her. I’m so close now that I can see the specks of mist from the waterfall on her hair.
With a lunge, I’m behind her, my hand clamping around her mouth to stifle any scream. Her body stiffens in my arms, her wide eyes reflecting shock and confusion. “Hey, little doe,” I whisper into her ear, my voice muffled by the mask.
Instantly, the sound of my voice makes her relax.
I release my hand, and she turns to face me.
The waterfall roars on, oblivious to our little drama.
“Dante?” Her voice trembles, her eyes widening beneath the waterfall’s misty curtain. “What are you doing?”
I chuckle low and deep, my amusement muffled behind the fabric of my mask. “I wanted to scare you,” I confess, tilting my head. “Did I scare you?”
She nods. “Yes.” She pulls her lip between two teeth. “I felt you watching,” she admits.
I smirk. “Good, I bet it excited you, didn’t it?”
“Yes,” she says as I close the distance between us.
“How wet is my little doe?” he asks.
“I... I don’t know,” she stammers with a blush, her eyes flicking away from mine.
“Don’t know?” I pull her closer, my arm snaking around her waist. “Or too shy to admit?” I tease, my breath tickling her ear.
“Dante, I...” She can’t seem to find the right words.
