Page 60 of The Devil

Shoot. If I send the money to Mom, she’ll ask why I didn’t use it to leave Aurora.

“But don’t worry about us,” Mom adds.

“Things will get better,” I say. “I’m looking for a new job.”

“Yeah? What kind of job?”

Not knowing what to answer, I reply, “Housekeeping. I hear it pays more than what I make now.”

“I hope you get it, kiddo.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I clear my throat again. “I have to go…ahh, I’m tired after the shift at the gas station.”

“Okay. We’ll talk on Sunday. Get some sleep. Love you, kiddo.”

“Love you too,” I whisper before hanging up.

I let out a heavy sigh. I hate lying to Mom, but how do I even begin to explain the past two weeks to her?

I look at my bedroom door, and my thoughts jump to Enzo.

I wonder if he’s okay?

I check the time and realize he might need to take painkillers again.

Unable to stop myself, I climb off the bed and creep out of my room. Enzo’s door is still open, and when I peek inside, I see he’s asleep.

Heading downstairs, I grab the light blanket from the back of the couch and carry it to Enzo’s room, where I carefully place it over his legs and waist.

His phone is lying right beside him, so I pick it up and set it down on the bedside table.

Cautiously, I lift my hand to his face and place my palm on his forehead. He feels cool to my touch, and it sets me at ease.

I glance around, and spotting the armchair by the window, I draw it closer to the bed and sit down.

With Enzo fast asleep, I get a good look at him.

I take in his dark hair that’s ruffled, the sharp lines of his handsome face, and the scruff on his jaw. Then my eyes move lower to his chest, and my cheeks grow warm at the sight of his hard muscles and bare skin that’s covered in the violent tattoo.

Everything about him is an enigma.

I pull my legs up and wrap my arms around my shins, resting my chin on my knees while I keep staring at the attractive man who’s upended my life.

I think of the questions he asked me earlier.

‘Were you happy with your life before you met me?’

No.

‘Were you safe before you met me?’

No.

‘What do you have to lose,meu anjinho?’

Nothing.

‘Let me save you from the hell your life is. And if you tell me who hurt you, I’ll kill them for you.’