69. Rose
ROSE
Coffee. I smell coffee. That is the first thought I have as I slowly wake from sleep.
Wait. Why do I smell coffee right now? Shooting up in bed, the rest of the night comes flooding back as I make my way back into consciousness along with the pain radiating through my entire body.
I barely remember getting back to my loft last night, let alone going to bed.
But the question remains…why do I smell coffee?
“Good morning.” Dante’s deep, gravelly voice greets me as I wander into the kitchen after throwing on a T-shirt and shorts, confirming my suspicions.
“What are you doing here, Dante? And how did you get into my building and my apartment?” My response is tired and laced with frustration but acceptance. Of course Dante is here. Did I really think he would just leave me alone after everything that happened last night?
“You need protection.” Dante clearly has no intention of answering my second question.
“Right now, it feels like I need protection from you. Considering you broke into my home.”
“This is not your home, Rose. You and I both know that. It might be where you live, but it’s not a home.” Damn him. How does he know I had that same thought last night when I walked through the door?
“Oh, and where exactly do you think my home is then, Dante?” The sarcasm and bite of my response don’t seem to faze Dante.
“With me.”
“You have got to be kidding me, Dante! I almost died last night because of you! Who were those men anyway? And why did they attack your house?”
“They were looking for…something.”
“What on earth do you have that would be so important that an entire team of men would blow up your house to find it?”
“Tesoro, Rose. You. They were there for you.”
“What do you mean they were there for me? I’m nobody.”
“Why don’t we sit down, and I’ll explain everything? I made some coffee. I figured you want some caffeine while you process everything. I have some food being delivered for breakfast as well. You didn’t have anything in your fridge to make, and I figured you might be hungry.”
“I’m going to need an IV of caffeine at this point if what you’re saying is true. And I don’t have any food here because I’ve been at your house.” What I don’t say is I never have food here because I don’t cook and try to spend as little time here as possible, but that’s besides the point.
“Sit. I’ll explain everything and answer whatever questions you have to the best of my knowledge. I promise. Also, I have a doctor on the way to look at your shoulder and any other injuries you may have.”
After everything, a promise from Dante seems worthless.
But I need answers, so I’ll let him think I’m on his side until I can figure out how to disappear.
Because it’s looking like that might be my only option at this point.
Hopefully, the doctor he called brings some extra-strength painkillers too because it feels like I’ve been hit by a bus.