Luca

“That’s because we were made for each other.” He replied as he lay down heavily on the bed, half over me and half on the mattress, panting and covered in our joint sweat.

He pulled me to him again as close as he could get me and kissed my neck whispering his love for me as I closed my eyes and got lost in his smell, his warmth. I loved him, I truly did, but could I go back to being the little woman? I wanted Luca to take me as his equal. I wanted his men to see me in the same light. I’d always wanted to be his queen, not his little princess. As right as it felt being in his arms, my head was telling me it was wrong to just fall back into bad habits. I had won my freedom now I needed to win back my respect.

That’s the reason I walked out of that hotel room two hours later, alone, with only my passport, enough money to get me home and the clothes on my back; and left behind the two men in my life sleeping peacefully and blissfully unaware that I was leaving them behind.

Chapter 37

Luca

The minute I woke up I knew something wasn’t right. My instincts were always good, whether the truth I discovered was something I wanted to know or not. It didn’t take long for me to discover my instincts were spot on yet again. She wasn’t lying next to me, or showering in the bathroom. I could still smell her scent on the sheets around me, on me, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Seconds later Freddie burst through the bedroom door to tell me what I already knew.

“She’s gone. Her passports missing and she took money from my wallet. Not all my money but enough to see her out of here.”

He rubbed his hand over his forehead, “What do we do? Do we go after her?”

“No. Let her go.”

Freddie didn’t looked pleased with my response, he always liked to play the knight in shining armour. Me, I had armour but it was dirty, banged up and well worn; and I needed it for other things right now.

I had a million and one things swirling around in my brain. Had the trafficking ring been shut down? Were all finger prints and DNA taken care of? How would we rehouse or reunite all the slaves we’d saved with their families? The list went on and on. If Chloe needed time to get her head together then so be it, but I didn’t like it. I didn’t like any of it. I’d travelled here to save her, protect her, but she didn’t want it. That much was certain. After this morning it was pretty clear she didn’t want me either. Last night must have been her ‘goodbye’.

I sat up and rested my back against the bed frame trying to get my head around what I should do. What did she want me to do? I couldn’t answer, Chloe had always been a head fuck for me; I could never second guess her, I had no idea what she was thinking. She was a wildcard, a free spirit, a risk. I couldn’t afford to take any more risks. Maybe it was time to take a step back.

Chapter 38

I knocked on the door and got my best puppy dog eyes ready as the door flew open.

“Chloe! Oh my God I’m so pleased to see you. I’ve been worried sick.”

Gina pulled me forward into a bear hug and squeezed me tight on her doorstep.

“Hey Gina! I’m pleased to see you too. It hasn’t been the best few days.” I sighed looking down at the floor.

She beckoned me in, taking my suitcase from my hand and rolling it into her living room.

“Coffee?”

“Yes please, the crap they serve on the plane doesn’t deserve the label coffee.” I moaned but with a smile.

Gina’s place was the opposite of Luca’s, full of photos and plush fabrics to give it that homely feel. She lived alone, and ran her business from a building round the corner. Looking at the feminine décor of her place you’d never have guessed what she did for a living.

As we sat sipping coffee and catching up on the events of the past few days I began to feel more relaxed.

“Gina, can I ask a huge favour?”

“You need a place to stay am I right? Listen as long as it’s okay with Luca its fine with me, stay here as long as you like. I’d enjoy the company.” She smiled warmly at me.

I couldn’t care less what Luca thought about my living arrangements. I didn’t need to run anything by him, I decided on my future not him.

“It’s cool…and thanks Gina, you’re a good friend.”

“Chloe you need to tell me the name of that friend of yours who stitched you up. She needs reminding what a real friend does for her girl.”

Gina folded her arms and waited.

“Just forget it Gina, she’s not worth it.”