Page 65 of Stolen By the Enemy

It’s not an excuse, but I was attracted to Marco before I became his captive, and lines blurred very quickly while we spent so much time together. I know who he is and what he is capable of, but he also showed me a lot of kindness while I was here.

I was also angry with the both of you for not coming to save me sooner and worried that you had decided not to come at all.

I am so sorry that you’re hurt, but you hurt me too. Leaving me here in Mexico with someone who might decide that killing me is the only revenge he needs, is not fair.

I think about what Nonna would say about our lives since she’s been gone, and I want us to be better. I’m not sure if you will get this letter, or if you do, if you’ll read it. And even then, I can’t be sure that any of this will make a difference in your decision.

But I want to remind you that I am your sister, and I would never do anything to put the family in danger. Not on purpose.

Please reconsider your decision.

All my love,

Zia

I’ll have to try to figure out how to send this to my brothers, although I have no idea how they will reply if not through Marco.

That’s a whole different problem that I need to deal with. Folding up the paper, I take out one more page, deciding to write a letter to Marco as well.

I’m too emotional right now to speak, but since I’m stuck in Mexico, I need to know what his thoughts are about me and the whole situation.

Marco,

What the fuck, right? I’m writing this because I won’t be able to say it out loud. But I need to know where we stand right now. Three days ago, I would have expected you to kill me after my brothers walked out on your deal.

But now, after our chats and the intimate moments we’ve managed to share, I wonder if perhaps a line has been crossed. For me, it’s one that isn’t easy to take back.

I enjoy your company, knowing you’re close by, having you around for dinner. I wouldn’t mind another walk on the beach, too.

But I’m still unsure of what is happening. Now that the deal is compromised, what is the plan for me? Where do we go from here? How long do I have to be locked away on my own in this beach house? It’s beautiful but so lonely.

Was all of this really just because you want money and power? Or is there something deeper that might explain the feelings that I’ve had over the past couple of days? I feel like there’s been a connection between us, but perhaps I’m reading it all wrong.

I want you to know that despite who my family is, you and I have a connection, and I would like for us to explore that. I will support your decisions from here.

Love,

Tu Chica

I hesitate with the “love” at the end, but decide to put it in. The “your girl” is an easy choice, it just feels right.

I hope that Marco will read the letter with an open mind, but I know that it’s a gamble. He could read it and agree with me, letting us move forward together.

Or he might get angry and punish me again, refusing to come and see me, leaving me to go crazy with my own thoughts.

***

Marco gets back about three hours later, looking like he decided to go for a swim in the ocean after his run.

I wasn’t sure he was going to come back to me, so I’m glad when I see him walk through the door.

I’m still struggling with the feeling of not wanting to be alone right now.

He seems like he’s in a good headspace, so I decide that right now is a good time to ask him for something that I’m not sure he’s going to agree to.

“Marco,” I walk up to him as he’s taking his shirt off and I swallow, feeling my cheeks heating up slightly.

The attraction between us is impossible to ignore, but I have a more important issue to deal with right now, and I just can’t be jumping on top of him and ripping the rest of his clothes off.

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