Page 37 of Sweet Deception

I can’t fight. I can’t even run.

The weight of it crushed me. If Antonio had managed to take me to his house, my life would have been over.

Minutes later, Zoya returned, pushing my wheelchair. Without hesitation, she lifted me with surprising strength, settling me into the seat. I expected shame to creep in as she wheeled me toward the bathroom, but it never came.

Maybe because I’ve been used to this my whole life.

Elisabetta used to help me bathe, back when things were simpler, back when I was safe.

Zoya bathed me gently, careful not to aggravate my injuries.

After I was cleaned and dressed, she wheeled me back to my bed. She exhaled sharply, shaking her head. “Damn it, Anna... you have so many injuries.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “I know. And every inch of me hurts.” I swallowed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Zoya, once I recover... you need to help me escape. Please.”

She hesitated, her eyes flickering with pity. “Let’s make sure you’re better first.”

Her phone rang, cutting through the tense silence.

I watched as she pulled it out, her brows furrowing as she read the caller ID.

Something in her expression changed.

Her grip on the phone tightened.

“He’s awake.”

My heart slammed into my ribs. I sat up so fast that a sharp pain shot through my spine.

No, no, no.

Antonio... awake?

My stomach churned. My breathing quickened. I wasn’t even fully dressed, only in my bra and underwear.

“Get me my clothes!” I demanded.

Zoya’s eyes snapped to me. “Relax, he’s already gone. But... he said he’ll be back.”

The blood drained from my face.

My body trembled as I tried to process her words. He left, but he’s coming back?

“Then we need to leave. Now.”

Zoya nodded sharply. “That’s exactly what we’ll do. If he returns, he won’t be alone. And they’ll make sure neither of us leaves this place alive.” She rushed to my wardrobe, yanking out a dress.

I clenched my fists, anger bubbling beneath my fear. “To think Gleb won’t even care about what his uncle did to me... they’re all the same.”

Zoya stopped, her shoulders tensing. “Gleb isn’t like them.”

I scoffed. “Oh really? Then why is he never here? Why is he letting his family do this to me?”

Zoya turned to me, her gaze unreadable. “Gleb wasn’t always this way. After his mother’s death... and his lover’s...” She hesitated. “...he changed.”

I stilled.

His lover?