Chapter 28
After Gianni leaves, I linger in the shower for a while.
About fifteen minutes later, with only a towel wrapped around my body, I go back to my room.
I decide to turn my phone on to see if there are any messages.
There are, and even though I don’t recognize the number, it can only be Amber.
She must have done what I told her and bought a new phone.
My heart kicks up with anxiety.
I sit on the bed, shaking like crazy and terrified it’ll be something bad, but then I can breathe again when I realize it’s just a notice that she’s leaving Texas.
I think about calling her, but I’m afraid to do it with Beau possibly nearby.
As if she can read my mind, the phone starts ringing, and I smile.
My God, our connection is too strong.
“It’s me,” she says, and my nerves are back.
Just from her voice, I know something’s wrong.
“Amber, what happened?”
“Someone came after me, Elodie.”
“Jesus! What happened?”
“I went out to buy a cell phone like you said. Two men in a car pulled up way too close to me, but Beau’s bodyguards were escorting, and I didn’t even realize it. They saved me.”
“Are you sure you’re really okay?”
“I am now. Why didn’t you answer my message this morning?”
“I couldn’t,” I say, giving no details.
How am I supposed to explain my relationship with Gianni to my sister over the phone? Tell her I’m with him because he needed to buy me? If Amber finds out I was almost sold to a sicko, she’ll lose it.
“Listen to me,” I go on. “Now more than ever, you need to stay with Beau.”
“I know.”
“I’m not done. Stay with him, but don’t make the mistake of letting your guard down, Amber. Remember who we are. The only people we can trust are each other.”
After I hang up, I get dressed in jeans and a red top. I add flat sandals and leave my hair down.
I almost put on last night’s earrings again. I feel naked without my bracelets, but I think the ones he bought me are too flashy to wear around the house.
As I head downstairs, I think the words I just said to Amber apply to me, too.
Don’t you make the mistake of relaxing, Elodie. The only people we can trust are each other.
I’m surprised to find Gianni at the foot of the stairs.
“I thought you had a meeting,” I say, trying to hide how much pleasure it gives me to have this beautiful man, mine for now, looking at me like I’m the most desirable woman in the world.
“I did. It’s over. Want to take a walk and get to know the property? Afterward we can grab lunch somewhere in the area.”
“You’re not working today?”
“No. It’s Sunday.”
He offers his hand to help me down the last few steps, and I fail to hide a smile, because what we have is very close to dating, even if he hasn’t put it into words.
“Before we head out, there’s something I want to talk about.”
“What is it?”
“I had the reissue of your real documents taken care of.”
I stare at him, incredulous. “How?”
He shrugs. “The usual trio: money, influence, and an excellent lawyer. I don’t want you walking around with fake documents anymore. You’re not a fugitive.”
“In a way, I am. Twice over. From the cult and from Angelo.”
“No, Elodie. You’re free. As for the cult fanatics. . .I made sure they’d be investigated.”
My heart lurches. “You did that?”
“I did. My guy will compile evidence so the authorities can’t ignore the compound or its members anymore. As for Angelo, I’ll handle him. You’ll never have to run again.”
I step off the last stair and wrap my arms around his neck, trying to hide how moved I am.
He didn’t have to do any of this. Not arrange my documents, and even less intervene regarding the cult.
“I don’t have to run. . .not even from you?”
“I wasn’t joking when I said if you do, I’ll come after you.”
“Like a hunter?”
“Or your owner.”
I know he’s only teasing me, but I think I’d better set the record straight. “No one owns me.”
He loops an arm around my waist. “No. Wrong, bella. No one controls you, but make no mistake, you’re mine.”
“Who’s yours?” I hear a woman’s voice ask, and I freeze.
From Gianni’s expression, I’m not sure this visit is welcome.
He doesn’t let go of me as he turns to address the visitor: “Mamma, what are you doing here?”
“Giancarlo Andresano, is that any way to speak to your mother?”
Despite the words, she doesn’t look angry. She’s smiling, and with one arm still around me, he opens the other and pulls her in.
She doesn’t even pretend to hide her interest in me. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”
I could let it slide, but I have a vindictive streak.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am. My name is Elodie Martin. I’m not Gianni’s friend. He just proclaimed himself my owner, but he’s mistaken. I’m his girlfriend.”