Page 14 of Kiss of Ruin (Brutal Empire)

They used me as bait, as a reason to start a war. I didn’t voice my feelings aloud. How much they knew about Luis and Elena Deluca was beyond me and I didn’t want to tell them more than they needed to know at the moment. The hairs on the back of my neck rise. There’s more to this than me speaking with Frankie DeLuca. But what?

Rosa continues, “No one was allowed to leave the house. Not without protection and they wouldn’t use the guards to protect us to come to the hospital.”

“Wait…They refuse to let you come see me without protection, but left me in the hospital all alone with no one to protect me?”

The hurt and pain mixed, making my stomach twist. They didn’t care that I was alone or unprotected.

“They figured you’d be safe in the hospital.”

“We all know there’s no guarantee for that.”

Sofia comes over and wraps her arms around my neck. “I’m so sorry.”

I pat her arm, trying to offer her comfort while my world is turning upside down. “It’s not your fault. I know that now.”

Thankfully, Camila comes over and take Sofia back to her seat. “I’m sure this has been a lot for Scarlett, she probably needs some rest.” I connect eyes with her, trying to covey my thanks. As much as I hated being alone, right now, I need to be alone to process everything they just revealed to me.

“I’ll see you all at dinner.” I back out the room, watching as Camila comforts Sofia. There’s a sadness in Rosa’s eyes that has lingered since Luis’ death, but has only grown more substantial in the last week.

Right now, I’m too weak emotionally and physically to help her through that. I need to build a wall around my own heart first. The solitude of my room calls me. There I can rest and process my thoughts.

* * *

Using the cane, I step out of my room on my way to breakfast. After more than a month of therapy, I’m able to stand on my own two feet. Pain still slows my steps, but at least I can take them on my own. It’s still frustrating being stuck in the house. Somedays I want to go out and explore the city, others, I want to go back to New York and save Frankie from his family.

Since, I haven’t been able to go anywhere, I’ve been using any extra time I can find to research Elena DeLuca.

I want to know what makes her tick. What drives her besides money. You don’t kidnap one of the heads of the rival families if you don’t want to start a war. She wants something and I’m determined to uncover what it is.

When I finally take her down, I want her entire empire to crumble around her feet.

My stomach rumbles and I go straight toward the kitchen. Physical therapy takes everything out of me, including burning every single calorie of my breakfast. As I get closer to the swinging kitchen door, the scent of fresh herbs hits my nose and I know Camila must be making something delicious.

Isabel and Pedro have been more than gracious since I arrived. They don’t force Miguel to breathe down my neck at all times, like the guards did in the house in New York. There’s a freedom that comes from being here. They’ve also allowed Camila to work in the kitchen whenever she chooses. Directing the family’s chef or making her own meals. It was quickly agreed upon that Camila’s cooking and recipes were superior to what came out of the kitchen before.

I push the door forward, letting it swing close behind me. It doesn’t surprise me to find Miguel and Sofia sitting together eating whatever it is that smells so delicious. The two of them have struck up quite the friendship lately.

“Looking good with that cane, Scarlett,” Miguel says, when he glances over his shoulder at me.

“I know I’ve said it a million times, but there is no better feeling that being on your own two feet. Even if I have to use a cane for extra support.”

Sofia smiles. “Don’t worry Scar, you’ll get there.”

“I know.” And for the first time in about a month, I truly believe that. “What’s for lunch.”

“Camila, made a absolutely delicious soup.” Isabel enters through the door that leads directly into the dining room. “I know she has a bowl ready and waiting for you.”

If there is one thing I’ve learned about Isabel and Pedro, their life in Miami reflects who they are and how they run the business here. Their kindness to us is unmatched. The treat the employees in their household like family.

It makes me wonder how Nico became the man he is, because everything about him couldn’t be more opposite of his parents.

The thought of Nico reminds me of the dream I had last night. It isn’t often that I dream about him anymore. The first two weeks after I arrived, I dreamed about him almost every night. Now the dreams are far and few between.

I push this latest thought out of my head. A part of my heart my still belong to Nico, but my brain refuses to let him hurt me anymore. I wasn’t good enough for him then and I certainly don’t need him now.

The only thing I can focus on is getting back to one hundred percent, then I can find a way to take down Elena.

And this time, I’ll do it all by myself.

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