She loves me. She fucking loves me.
Chapter 24
Lucy
Class finishes, and I make my way back over to where Pietro will be waiting. I’d intended to text him about the change of venue but I’d gotten distracted. I’m halfway across the grounds when I remember I’ve forgotten my flats.
“Shit,” I mumble. I have to go back. I have a dozen pairs, but this one in particular has special meaning for me. On the morning of my eighteenth birthday my father handed me a package. It was from my mother. Inside were the ballet shoes, a delicate diamond necklace, and a letter. She’d written it the week before she died and told my father what she wanted him to buy for me.
Pushing my way through the heavy wooden door of the theater, I quietly scoot into the dressing rooms. Spying my flats sitting on the bench where I left them, I sigh. Thank God. I shove them into my bag and leave via the back entrance. I’m sure I’m alone in the darkened studio, but I shiver, unable to shake the uneasy feeling that’s washed over me.
I reach the rear exit and open the door, which closes with a bang behind me. Pulling out my phone, I decide to text Pietro, even though I’m only minutes away from him. Hearing him tell me how my being in danger brings back bad memories about his family made me feel guilty. I still didn’t think anything of the threats against my safety, but I was determined to play nice, for his sake.
Not watching where I’m going, I bump into someone.
“Sorry.” I blush, looking up as my phone falls from my hands. A large, heavyset man covered in tattoos glares down at me. I swallow the lump in my throat, suddenly wishing the grounds weren’t so deserted. I smile politely and step aside to let him pass, only he doesn’t.
I’m so focused on him, I don’t even notice the guy coming up behind me until it’s too late. My instinct is to run, but I’m too slow. Pain sears through the back of my head as everything starts to spin. I stumble, losing my balance, and fall into the arms of the heavyset tattooed man.
Don’t pass out. Stay awake, you need to stay awake.
Only I can’t.
—
Forcing my eyes open, I stare into the darkness. I’m so cold. I attempt to move my arms, which are cuffed behind my back, but it’s no use. Spreading my hands out, I press my palms down against the freezing concrete floor and try to reposition myself. I manage to move half an inch.
I have no idea what is happening. My memory is fuzzy. The last thing that’s clear to me is leaving my apartment that morning. Was it even today? Who knows how many days have passed since then.
Startled, I jerk upright at the sound of footsteps. My stomach clenches as they get louder. I wince as a flashlight is shined directly in my eyes, the brightness clouding my vision.
“Here. Eat up.”
He tosses something in my lap. It’s warm and wrapped, so I think it’s a burger. I cough, trying to find my voice.
“Can you uncuff me?” I ask, my voice trembling. He sighs, but stomps around me, bending over to unlock the cuffs. I ease my wrists free, rubbing them gently.
“Hurry up so I can secure you again,” he orders, kicking my calf. I jump, my hands shaking as I reach for the food. Unwrapping it, I see that it is a burger. I’m not hungry but I know I need to eat if I have any chance of getting out of this alive.
“Why am I here?” I ask. “What do you want? Is it money? Call my father and he’ll give you whatever you want.”
He laughs. “That’s the plan, honey. Don’t worry, okay? If big papa plays nice, then you’ll be fine.”
He shines the flashlight away from me and stomps away. My heart pounds as I listen, desperately trying to figure out anything about where I am. Stairs. Is he going up stairs? I hear a door thud shut and I squeeze my eyes closed. There’s no way out of this other than for Pietro to figure out I’m missing and call my dad.
Why the fuck didn’t I take this more seriously?
If I had, then maybe I wouldn’t be in this situation. Groaning, I hang my head forward. I ache everywhere. I try again to figure out how long I’ve been here, but it’s no use. Time blends into itself and I keep drifting in and out of consciousness.
Chapter 25
Pietro
Five minutes before the end of her day, I arrive at the studios. I make my way up to the floor where her classes are held, and wait outside. Time ticks away slowly. When it reaches six fifteen I begin to get nervous. Walking past the room, I peer through one of the windows, my vision mostly blocked with flyers and notices that have been stuck to the glass.
“Can I help you?”
I spin around and find a young man with sandy hair smiling at me. I stiffen, recognizing him as the guy Lucy went out with a few times. I narrow my eyes at him, trying to size him up. She told me he’s gay, but I’m wary of any competition.