Chapter 5
5
Giselle
O ut of all the things these people came in here to yap at me about, not one of them told me a thing about Sergio. Or where he was. Or if they knew anything that he was doing, or where he was going.
No one even mentioned the fact that he was still out there.
Hunting me.
And my babies.
What was wrong with these people?
They just went on with their lives like horrible danger wasn’t out there waiting to pounce.
Eve talked endlessly about swim lessons for the kids. Gymnastics lessons for the kids.
Music lessons for the kids.
I refused all of them for Dani. I told her she could put her own kids at whatever risk she wanted, but she was not taking my kid anywhere.
Dani was to stay under this roof until I said so.
Carlo still took Dani out to see the bunnies every day. I didn’t have the heart to take that away from her.
Carlo had assured me that he’d beefed up security around his place on every level. No one would ever get onto his property again—unless he wanted them there.
I had a hard time believing this.
Especially after Dani and I had been kidnapped from this very house. I didn’t trust anyone. Or anything.
Except deep in the middle of the night.
When the nightmares came.
Never in my life had I ever experienced such vivid dreams. I swore I was still at Sergio’s. Surrounded by women.
Disappearing women.
And the things that happened there all came back.
In full color.
But it was mostly the fear that ran through my veins.
And the cold sweat that I’d wake up in that really got to me.
The only thing that helped was—Carlo.
After an episode, I clung to him in desperation. Only in his arms did I feel safe again.
His huge arms around me, whispering soft, loving words into my hair.
Rubbing my back.
Holding me tight.
He was the only reason those dreams hadn’t completely carried me away.
“Is there anything I can get you? I’ll just leave these books here for you in case you’re—” Eve cleared her throat and smiled. “In case you want them. I’ve already read them, so if you want to talk about them—I’m here. Or, if, you know, you ever want to talk about anything at all. I’m still here.”
I glared up at her, wishing she’d just give it up already.
She was here looking for a different person. One that didn’t exist anymore.
“Got it. You’re here. Even though I told you to leave weeks ago,” I said dryly.
But in typical Eve fashion, she plastered on a smile and continued, “And I’m still here.”
Oh, my gosh. Why wouldn’t she just leave me alone?
“Do you want some tea? I made cookies this morning with Dani. Chocolate chip. Theo dipped his hand in by accident—well, he did it on purpose, but I accidentally let him. And Dani laughed her butt off when I screamed and dropped the spatula.”
She was babbling again.
God.
Every fucking day, the same thing.
She came in here looking for her best friend. And all she got was—me.
“Nice,” was all I said before I rolled over. My stomach still hurt like a bitch. Turning from one side to the other was no picnic.
“Have you tried breastfeeding yet? The doctor said it would help you heal faster.”
If I could have gotten up and swatted her, I would have.
Instead, I settled into bed and closed my eyes. And tried to forget all the motherly things I was supposed to be doing.
But wasn’t.