Page 96 of Deceptive Desires

“How do you know all of this?” I ask, succumbing to the truth.

“As soon as I recovered from his torture, I started following him. I had to save you from him, but I knew I needed to compile enough evidence so you could see through his charm. His obsession with you runs deep. I didn’t realize how far he’d go to ensnare you. And the worst part is, he only wants you because he wants to get one over me. I’m sorry I didn’t step in sooner,” Leo says, and pushes a piece of my hair behind my ear. I shrink back.

I don’t want his comfort. I don’t want anyone’s comfort. The only person who could calm me is… Roman. But that’s not an option anymore.

I don’t know what to do.

“What now?” I beg him, needing guidance.

“I have you covered, baby.” He reaches into the backseat and hands me a large backpack and some clothes. “Here’s a bag full of everything you need. There’s twenty-five thousand dollars in cash, clothes, a new ID, a burner phone, and some snacks. It’s not enough to last forever, but it’s enough to get you far away and to help you build a new life.”

He smiles at me, as though he saved my day, but the feeling’s wrong. Because the only hero I’ve ever believed in was Roman. And it turns out he was the villain all along.

“Why are you doing this for me? Where did you even get this money?” I ask, not really caring about the answer. I’m just stalling from what I know I have to do.

“Because you’re my best friend. And I can’t watch you throw away your life for this monster. He’s too evil for your pureness,” he tells me. “Now here’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to put on these clothes and headscarf, so when he tries to track you based off what you’re wearing right now, he can’t. I’m going to drop you off at the train station, and you’re going to buy a ticket going somewhere far away. Don’t tell anyone. You’re not going to contact anyone from your old life. If you do, you put them in danger of Roman. He’s going to be looking for you. He’ll torture anyone who knows anything. You’re going to text me where you end up. I’ll keep you up to date on what’s going on here. He thinks I’m not in contact with you, so he won’t suspect me. You’re going to live under this new identity. Don’t tell anyone who you are. Do you understand?” he demands.

“But what about my family? What about Gracie?” I ask, not knowing how I could just leave them and never look back. “Can’t we just go to the police and report him?”

“The police know, but they look the other way. They don’t get involved in the underground crime here. The Mafia is likethe police of the underworld. They keep everything in order, so the cops stay out of it. The cops would probably hand you over to Roman to stay in his good graces,” Leo explains. “As far as your family and Gracie, you need to leave without a word. Maybe in a few months if Roman’s given up the search, you can reach out. But until then, you put them in danger of his wrath if they know anything. Swear to me that you’ll leave them out of this.”

I hesitate, trying to process everything.

My whole life has been turned upside down in the span of fifteen minutes. I don’t even know who I am anymore.

“Cecilia, do you understand?” Leo shakes me, grabbing my attention.

“Yes, I understand,” I respond hoarsely.

“Good. Now, I’m going to drive us to the train station. Take this time to memorize your new ID,” he says with a smile.

How can he smile at a time like this? I just found out everything is a lie. He’s the one who told me. And he’s smiling?

I don’t think I can ever smile again.

He nudges me, so I pull out the new wallet in the bag and look at the ID.

Emily Ricci.

I feel uncomfortable that Leo gave me his last name, but I don’t say anything. Other discoveries in the past twenty minutes have made me more uncomfortable.

He pulls up to the train station and stops.

“Good luck, Emily. Remember, text me when you get there,” Leo says with a sad smile.

“Thank you, Leo. For everything,” I whisper.

“Anything for you, baby,” he says, then unlocks the car door.

I get out the car and stare at the train station.

I feel my heart crumble with each step.

I look back at Boston one last time, knowing I’m leaving the remnants of my heart here.

Chapter 71

Roman