Gio

“I need out!” I cry, banging my fist against the metal.

“Just breath,” Gio tells me.

“No! No, I can’t.” I tell him. I try to reach forward again but nothing works.

I’m stuck.

“Please,” I say, this time whinier. “I can’t breathe. Please let me out!”

“Okay,” Gio replies in a soothing voice. “Charlie will pull you out, hang on.”

“No, just break it. Break me out of here.”

“Breathe Annie.” His voice is steady and demanding.

I feel the rope begin to tug on my waist, but it’s not pulling me up. I try to push with my hands relentlessly.

Finally, my head slips back through the angle and rough hands tug on my ankles pulling me back up until I’m in Gio’s arms on the ladder.

“It’s okay,” he whispers to me. “I got you.”

My breath comes out fast and shaky and I’m fighting the urge to cry in his arms. I don’t want to do that again.

“Breath, Annie. You’re safe.”

I take a deep breath, this time smoother and more controlled.

Gio sets me back on my feet easily. “We’re done for the night,” he tells the men.

Frank looks annoyed, but Charlie nods amicably. “Of course, boss.” He says, turning away and taking Frank with him.

“I’m sorry,” I tell Gio when it’s just us and my breathing has finally returned to normal.

“It’s okay.” he gives me an easy, reassuring smile for the first time since I’ve arrived at the warehouse. “I didn’t expect you to be perfect tonight, but you’ll get there.” He shrugs, glancing over at the metal box.

“I have to do that again?”

He chuckles softly, “Yeah sweetheart. But I promise you’ll be fine, okay?”

I nod, even though I do not feel okay about it, but I don’t feel like I can tell him that.

“What is it supposed to be?”

He considers the question for a moment, deciding how much information he’s willing to tell me.

“I’ll tell you, eventually. That’s all you need to know, now let’s get you home.” He gestures to the door.

Of all the places for my old Camry to be finicky, outside of Gio’s club was among the worst.

“Come on,” I tell the old beater that is still, on the fifth try, not starting.

“What’s wrong with it?” The sound of Gio’s smooth as silk voice makes me jump. He stands next to the driver’s side window with Charlie close behind him.

“Won’t start,” I answer.

“Charlie, can you get it to the shop for her?” He asks Charlie, though I doubt Charlie is allowed to say no. “I’ll take you home.” He tells me.

“But, I have work tomorrow.”