“Okay.” I nod. “Gracias, Emilio.”
“Por supuesto, Patrona.” Of course, Patrona.
He starts to turn, but I call for him quickly before he can get out the door.
“Si, Patrona?”
“Will…Jefe be here anytime soon?”
Emilio studies my eyes, but then pulls his gaze away. “I’m not sure when Jefe will be arriving, Patrona, but you are safer here.”
“Do you mean I’m safer away from him than with him?”
His green eyes sparkle from the sun. All he gives is a curt nod, and then he’s gone, shutting the tall brown door behind him.
I turn back around, walking to the hot tub, focused on the fruit and bread, but I don’t have the stomach to eat.
Instead, I pick up the bottle of merlot and then grab the bottle opener, popping it and pouring it into the empty glass on the tray.
There is only one glass, meaning I will probably be alone for quite sometime. I take a full sip of the merlot, and then place it down. Pulling my dress off, I toss it aside and then step into the hot tub, sinking into its warm oasis with just my panties and bra on.
I press my back against the edge of the tub, pick up my half-empty glass, and I just…breathe.
For the first time since this all began, I breathe, and then I let it all sink in.
Draco won’t be here for a while. He sent me away, probably because he couldn’t stand the sight of me anymore. I know he won’t show up anytime soon—or probably at all. I’m safe here, yes, but I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to do here by myself.
This home is beautiful—gorgeous really. It’s everything and more, but without him around, I may as well be back in that cell, rotting away. Alone and afraid. Worried about what’s to come, and how to handle it.
Tears sting my eyes, but I take a sip of wine to ignore the burn, looking at the ocean.
I know Patanza said he loves me, but by now he has to hate me.
I hate myself.
I stole the happiness from Patanza—a happiness that seemed so bright and freeing. I snatched it away from her, and she’ll never forgive me for it.
Because of me, Draco’s cousin and closest confidant is gone.
Because of my stupidity and self-righteousness, everything is ruined.
4
GIANNA
The hours spent here are long and exhausting.
I’m waking up to an empty side of the bed.
Cold. Vacant. I’m not used to it. Being without him terrifies me now.
Breakfast isn’t served at a table, it’s brought to me by Emilio, who hardly says anything, only asks me if I need something or to call for him if I do. Patanza has been around, using most of her time sitting in the one spot that gives view of the city.
On my second night here, I walk past and see her sitting in a lounge chair with her head hung low. At first, I can barely recognize her. She’s wearing black lounge clothes, her hair long, shiny and damp. It’s dark, and other than the lights sparkling from the pool, you can’t make out much but the city lights beyond the patio where she sits.
I see her sitting there with her back facing the closed door, her hair like a curtain around her face, and I swear I see her shoulders shaking. If I’m not mistaken, she’s crying. My feet move, the urge to go out and talk to her high and demanding.
But when she reaches up and swipes hard at her face, then stands and stalks away into the darkness, I stop before I can reach the door, realizing she only wants to be left alone.
By the third day, I am a mess. I can hardly eat. Hardly sleep. I can’t get that image of Thiago out of my head to save my life. The way he had my back and protected me when we were in that tunnel—how he would have done anything to protect me because he knew how much I meant to Draco…it was too much. Too real.
He gave his own life for me. For his cousin.
“You need her more than me anyway.” His words haunt me, the tears lining my eyes, hot like fire. I roll over and somehow, after letting go of a river’s worth of tears, I fall asleep.
The next morning, I walk out of the bedroom after taking a quick shower, and Emilio is in the living room, his back to me, talking quietly on his phone.
“Si, Jefe. Ella esta bien.” She is okay.
“Is that Draco?” I ask in Spanish, rushing in his direction.
Emilio spins around, eyes stretched wide as he stares at me. I don’t even bother asking for the phone. Instead, I take it away, pressing the receiver to my ear.
“Draco?” I call. “Draco!” There is no response.
I lower the phone and look at the screen. The call has ended. He hung up.