I hear footsteps and look to my right. A shadow eclipses over me moments later, blocking the burning rays.
I look up, tilting my sunglasses down. I already know who it is before even making eye contact. I can smell his cologne.
Draco stands tall, his face smooth and clear of expression. His eyes are focused on my breasts. Slowly, his gaze travels down the length of my body—my hips as well as my oiled legs.
“Are you enjoying your time out here?”
I look down, noticing he’s barefoot. “Yes,” I murmur.
“Good. I’m glad.” He looks towards the water and steps back. “Did you get my gift this morning?”
“Yes.”
“What do you think of them?”
“They’re…beautiful.” I cringe when I admit it.
“I think so too. I have a whole garden of them. Maybe I’ll show you sometime soon…if you behave.” He flashes a crooked smile, bringing his head back up to search the area. “Where is my mother?”
“She went to search for shells. She has a collection of them already.”
“Ah.” He nods. “She does. A beautiful one too. You can find the best of anything here.”
I pause before asking the next question, sinking my fingers into the hot sand. “Where…are we exactly?”
His eyes bolt on me and a smirk spreads across his lips. “Now, why should I tell you?”
“I’m just curious.”
He looks me over thoroughly before turning his head and watching the waves crash in. The wind bristles by, pushing the loose strands of my hair away from my shoulders.
I know he’s not going to answer that question so I take a different route. “How long are you going to punish Francesca?”
He immediately turns to look down at me, and fear blooms in my belly when his nostrils flare. “However long I please, niñita. She knew the rules.”
“So did I,” I state boldly.
“So, what are you saying? That I should scratch this whole thing and treat you like I treat her?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. I just…” I watch him tilt his head, ready for me to spit it out. “Never mind,” I mutter, dropping my line of sight to my lap.
Draco lowers to a squat and then reaches forward to pick my head back up. When our eyes are glued, he drags in a breath before exhaling.
“You test my patience, Gianna. You question my ways. What you should do is worry about yourself while you’re in my good graces. Don’t worry about Francesca. She’s a big girl. She can handle herself.”
I nod. “Okay.”
“Good, niñita.” He releases me and stands up straight. “Since I’ve given you this reward, I expect to see you in the galería after dinner.” I start to ask a question but he holds up a finger to stop me. My mouth clamps shut. “Don’t ask questions. Just be there. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Draco.”
His eyes spark when his name rolls off my tongue. He holds my eyes longer than intended, his head cocking again. His mouth twitches to form words, but as expected, he says nothing.
He simply turns around and walks towards his undeserved mansion. I watch him go before turning back around and staring ahead at the ocean. It seems to stretch so far, an endless supply of water.
While no one is here, I could try and swim it, but I don’t think I’d make it very far. I’d end up getting tired arms and collecting lungs full of fluid before being found alive. The idea of it is scary, but at least if I’m dead in the ocean, he won’t be able to find my body.
It would be deep in the abyss, sinking lower and lower from the weight of my heavy heart, never to be found again…I hope.
I stand up and collect my things. As I fold my towel, my eyes venture over to the left and I see something flashing.
I blink, zeroing in whatever it may be.
It twinkles beneath the sun, fierce and bold. I step aside and spot a car. It’s silver, but I’m not sure what make or model it is. I look around. No one is here.
Not his mom.
Not even him.
He’s most likely rinsing the sand off his toes right now.
My heart thuds.
The first thing that comes to mind is one word…
FREEDOM.
No one is watching. I am unguarded.
Go, go, go!
I have to make my move now.
Run. Now!
I scurry across the beach without a second thought. There is a wrought iron gate when I make it across. I examine my surroundings. The windows are clear. His mom is still on the hunt.
Gripping the bars, I stick my foot on one of the bars and then climb up. When my hand wraps around the top of the gate, I swing my leg over, doing my best to avoid the sharp points.
My heart thunders heavily as I drop both legs on the bars on the opposite side. I can’t believe I’m doing this. Why the hell am I doing this?!