AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The strength of intention in his eyes makes me want to flinch, as though I’m pulling my hand away from a flame. What that look communicates is pure, primal need. It’s like he’s carving into my soul, seeing all the parts of me I do my best to hide.
For a moment, it even feels like he can tell what I’m planning.
Shivering slightly, I look away. That’s silly. I’m the only one who knows about the suitcase packed in the trunk of my car, and the key in my pocket.
“I’m going to go to the bathroom,” I say, standing up. “Don’t wait for me.”
“Be right back,” says my father sternly. “This is important.”
I mumble agreement and exit the dining room. As soon as I’m out, I hasten my steps, slipping into the garage and through the side door that leads to the driveway. My car is at the ready, carefully parked facing the right direction for an easy escape.
Heart pounding, I climb into the driver’s seat.
***
Alessandro
Tony Gagliardi takes a deep, frustrated breath at the sound of the car peeling out of the driveway. Looking through the window, I see a red Lexus sedan hit the street in a hurry.
“Sorry about that,” says Gagliardi, closing his eyes. “That was… unexpected.”
My grandfather’s tone is as cold as ice. “You said there would be no more problems, Tony. I trust I don’t need to remind you the seriousness of our arrangement.”
The other boss looks pissed, but lowers his gaze in contrition. “I know, I know. We’ll find her.”
“No,Alessandrowill find her. She won’t get far without spending money. You have access to her bank accounts and credit card activity?”
“Of course.”
“Give them to him. My grandson will have no trouble tracking her down.”
I nod grimly, an excitement coming over me. Ahunger.
It’s time for Ava to find out who’s really in charge.
Chapter Nine
Ava
10 days later
The parking lot at the Parker Springs Bancroft Hotel & Suites is almost full. I pull into a spot in the back, two big bags of groceries in the passenger seat, and sit there for a moment, finishing my song. I’m not looking forward to carrying those bags all the way through the parking lot to my room.
Song over. Time to go. I get out, take a grocery bag in each hand, and fumble around with my key fob until my pinky somehow manages to press the button that locks the car. By the time I reach the door to my room, both shoulders are burning.
I slide the key card and walk in, putting the bags down on the floor in my little kitchenette next to the fridge. It’s not exactlyluxurious, but it’s clean, safe, and comfortable enough for the time being. More space than I’ll have in my college dorm with a roommate, that’s for sure.
Over the last week, I’ve made this hotel room a home. I moved around constantly for the first few days, staying in a different place every night, paranoid that my father would find me. Now I’m starting to feel secure.
In exactly 20 days, the college semester starts. Until then, I’ll be here in Parker Springs. A safe distance from Bover City, but close enough that it won’t be too much of a pain to get to Bover City University when it’s finally time for me to move onto campus.
As I unpack my groceries, my phone buzzes with a text from Isabella, asking where I am. She’s worried about me, and it hurts my heart to ignore her messages. But her father is a captain in the Gagliardi family, and my parents know that we’re friends. I trust my friend completely, but I have no idea who could be looking through her phone.
Anxiety buzzes through me at the thought. I reassure myself by checking for the 473rd time that I have the location on my own phone disabled. It is, of course. Turning off location services was the first thing I did, even before I left my parents’ house.
You’re fine. You’re totally fine. If they had a way to track you through your phone, they would have already caught you.
Cracking open a can of flavored sparkling water, I flop down on the bed and turn on the TV.
