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“That’s a surprise for now.”

Only me and my most trusted men knew the location. I'd tell Anastacia soon enough. After all, we were going somewhere that was hers. Somewhere that was ours.

24

I relaxeddown by the lake, letting the early evening sun kiss my skin before it set. I was at peace out here, and to be honest, I needed it more than I thought I would.

Being in that room with just a dim light overhead had only made me crave this even more. I had no idea if I’d ever forget what happened in that house, but all I knew was that I had to try.

Chad’s face still haunted me every time I closed my eyes. The smugness in his smile as he leaned over me, thinking he was untouchable when, in reality, he was a coward.

“Hey.” Red interrupted my thoughts from behind me. “Mind if I join you?”

I turned slightly, offering him a faint smile. “Of course. Sit down.” He lowered himself onto the grass beside me, his frame much larger than mine. “How you doing?” he asked, his voice sincere and gentle.

“Never better.” I forced a smile, gritting my teeth in hopes he’d believe my lie like Lorenzo did.

Who wasI kidding? Lorenzo didn’t believe me.

“Ana, you know that’s bullshit. You can talk to me, you know?” He sighed, nudging my shoulder with his carefully. “What happened?”

I thought about brushing the question off and pushing it to the back of my mind, but what good would that do? Letting out a slow, steady breath, I turned to face Red.

“They knocked me about as you can see from the bruises.” I traced the bruise on my shin, flinching as I remembered what it was like for a masked man's boot to come down on my leg. “And Chad… That sick bastard tried to kiss me,” I admitted. I noticed Red stiffen beside me. “I-I pushed him away though. I wasn’t going to let him near me, Red.” I trembled.

“Ana—”

“I didn’t eat or drink what they offered. I couldn’t stomach it, no matter how hungry I was. I know I needed the strength to fight against them but I just couldn’t.” I met his gaze, one that wasn’t filled with pity or sympathy. “Moments before Lorenzo and all of you found me, I was slowly giving up. I didn’t think I’d see him again.”

“I’m guessing you mean Lorenzo?” He asked.

“Yeah, but he’s not so bad. You were right.”

“I usually am, Ana.” He puffed out his chest playfully. “But in all seriousness, Lorenzo barely slept. It wasn’t because he couldn’t. It was because he didn’t want to. He had no plans of resting until he brought you home. I have never seen him so focused and determined before, and I’ve known that man a long time.”

Hearing things like that about Lorenzo stirred something within me. Something I had never felt before. And I had to admit, I liked it.

“Chad’s face haunts me, Red.” I sighed, not wanting to close my eyes.

“He’s getting what he deserves, Ana. We’ll take good care of him until you and Lorenzo return from your long weekend away.”

“About that… Where is he taking me?” I smiled, hoping my puppy dog eyes would work in my favour.

“Nice try but those eyes won’t work on me. My lips are sealed,” he joked, pretending to zip his lips closed.

“Was worth a shot, I guess.” I smiled genuinely, finally feeling like it was possible that I’d get back to feeling like myself sooner rather than later.

“Ana, before I go, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, shoot.” I waited, wondering what he wanted.

“Why won’t you speak to Lorenzo about what happened?” he asked.

“Because…” I whispered. “I don’t want him to see me as weak, like I couldn’t take it.”

“You’re anything but weak, and Lorenzo knows that. He just kept thinking they?—”

“No, no! Nothing like that happened.” I gasped, shaking my head at the thought.