“Rosa!” I roar as I continue to pound on the door. Finally, the door swings open to an angry Rosa. Her hair is in a messy bun and her eyes are puffy. She hasn’t been sleeping.

I try to kiss her but she jerks away. “You’re drunk? Again?”

“Rosa, baby, please. I’m sorry,” I wail. “I’ve been trying to… save you. But I can’t.”

Rosa eases the door open more. “What do you mean?”

“They don’t care… I tried to get them to help me out—”

Rosa holds up her hand. “Them?”

I have a feeling she already knows who I’m talking about. “I didn’t know how bad they were, Rosa. I visited their new store.” Rosa blinks back tears.

“I could’ve told you that,” she says. “They warned me this would happen and that they wouldn’t be able to do much.” Rosa walks over to her bed. I close the door then sit beside her.

“I think they love me but they never planned on having a daughter,” Rosa admits. “I was too much to handle. So, they gave up.”

The guilt washes over me. I gave up, too. How does someone keep trying if the odds are never in their favor?

“Rosa, I’m so sorry,” I say again.

Rosa shakes her head, cupping my chin in her small hands. “You tried to help; I didn’t expect you to talk to them. Iappreciate that but it doesn’t excuse the drinking and strippers though.”

I nod. “It doesn’t. I’m so sorry, Rosa. I killed people so my dad can trust me with you, but I might have failed. All I want is to keep you safe.”

“I should hate you. I should think you’re an awful guy with horrible taste,” Rosa presses. “Somehow, I still have these feelings for you and they feel so heavy in my chest.” I draw Rosa closer, resting my forehead on hers.

“So, that’s how you describe it?” I whisper. Rosa slips her hand into mine. I’ve never felt more complete than at this moment. Our lips touch and I slowly kiss her, savoring the sweetness of her kiss. I place my hands on her hips, hoping for more, but Rosa stops me.

“Is there any way we can get you a shower and toothbrush?” Rosa asks as she holds back a laugh. I pull away and laugh, knowing I probably smell awful.

“Your honesty is sexy,” I say.

“I’ll give you a bath,” Rosa says as she stands up, holding her hand out.

Ten minutes later, Rosa has a warm bubble bath filled to the brim for me. She undresses me and helps me into the bathtub. With the loofah, she glides it up and down my arms and legs, eventually stopping at my member. Her eyes are full of desire.

“Do whatever you want,” I tell her. Rosa grins and she leans into the top and takes my growing member into her hands. I watch with delight as she takes me into her mouth, starting slowly, and then becoming more and more aggressive. The heat of the bathtub is perfect. I hold onto her hair and finally can’t take it. The throbbing is overwhelming and I know if I don’t stop, I’ll finish too soon.

“Come here, now,” I growl as I pull her into the bathtub. Her T-shirt is soaked but I don’t care. I pull it up, grabbing a handfulof her perky breasts. Water slips down Rosa’s taut body and it makes me wild. I slip my tongue into her open mouth, then push my fingers into her. Rosa digs her nails into my skin, crying out as my fingers work to make her orgasm. Right as her eyes roll back, I take my fingers out and push my member inside her. Rosa cries out as she pleasures herself with my load. She rolls her hips faster and faster, splashing water all around us. I then bounce her on my member until she can’t take it anymore. I know we’re both close as our bodies tense and we hold onto each other tight. The stress of the day melts away as we make love in the heat of the bathtub. Our lips are practically glued together and it heals whatever anxieties I had.

I can’t let her go. I have to find a way to make us work.

CHAPTER 11

Rosa

Why did I think Vinny would change? Why did I think a man as hard to read, and a kidnapper at that, would magically change in two days? After we made love again, I thought I’d finally start to feel secure. There’s still no way I can tell Vinny about being pregnant, but somewhere inside, I wondered if there could be a silver lining that I could save him too, we could be a normal family. I suppose I’m still that delusional girl who thought her parents would change. After six interventions and thousands of dollars spent on rehab, they’re still the same addicts who choose money and addiction over their kid.

I have always felt a deep understanding between Vinny and myself, a connection that I can never quite find with my own parents.

Vinny is no different. Except his loyalty is to his father. I can’t understand why either. From what I’ve heard about him, he wasn't a champion parent. He abandoned Vinny more times than he would like to admit, and constantly threatens him with death and murder. I guess I also don’t like the man who called for the order of my kidnapping. However, I learned today that it's not just Vinny’s father I should question. It’s Vinny, too.

Nick is suspicious. He keeps an eye on me at all times and I don’t think it's because of my safety. Since the last two days felt romantic, I wanted to make Vinny breakfast in bed. Just as I flip the second pancake, Nick corners me.

“What are you doing?” he asks.

“Do you not see the pancakes in the skillet?” I answer sarcastically. “I want to surprise Vinny.”