Page 8 of Stolen Seconds

“Eva. . . ”

“I do.” She nodded furiously. “But don’t worry, once I’m sold off like a whore, I won’t be a burden to you anymore.”

“Don’t you dare, Evangeline! Everything I do is for you.” The burn in my chest came back tenfold. “And how many times do I have to tell you to stop eavesdropping?”

Her lip trembled, pouting slightly like it used to when she was a small child.

I raked through my hair, frustrated that I couldn’t give her what she wanted.

“Come here.” I gestured to her with my hand, but she shook her head, her eyes blinking rapidly to get rid of her tears.

Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around her, and she sobbed into my chest.

It hurt knowing I was partially to blame for her distress. I wished things were different for her. And I’d make sure it was. Soon.

“Hey. . . hey,” I cooed, pulling back and cupping her face. “I’m going to do right by you.”

She sniffled. “How?”

“Don’t worry about that.” I gave her a small smile to put her at ease.

I knew what I had to do, and I hated it.

“Now, wipe those tears. I can see your snot.”

She laughed as more tears fell from her eyes before she hugged me. “I didn’t mean it, you know?”

“I know.”

Chapter 2

Irina

Iwas a liar.

When my best friend asked me to come visit her in Italy for Christmas, I knew it was my only chance to find what I’d been searching for.

I couldn’t disclose the reason to her and it was eating me alive. She was the only person I’d break myself into pieces for just so I could be the friend she deserved.

In the end, I wondered if she’d hate me or pity me. Both outcomes would surely disintegrate the hollowness inside my chest until I’d been bled dry.

The arch doors swung open, revealing Aurora and her broody bastard husband, Roman Mancini.

“Rina!” Aurora squealed, throwing herself at me in a bear hug.

The wind was knocked out of me as I caught her in my arms. Her cinnamon scent smelled like home, and I couldn’t be happier to be in her presence after months apart.

“I’ve missed you, too.” I chuckled, squeezing her. When we pulled apart, I took her in from head to toe. She looked the same. . . yet different. “There’s something going on with you. What is it?” I demanded.

Aurora’s face twisted in confusion at my abruptness. She regarded me likeIwas the one who appeared unusual.

“Is it him?” I asked, pointing to the large man behind her. “How is the bastard treating you, anyway?”

Her green eyes widened slightly as she glared at me to shut my mouth.

Roman finally stepped forward, staring at Aurora as he wrapped his arm around her waist possessively. “Thebastardis treating her just fine,” he said gruffly.

The last time I talked to Roman was on a video call when I told him I’d hoped hisdoglearned how to not answer other people’s phone. The dog being the leather wearing giant who I had the misfortune of meeting once. And I hoped to avoid him during my visit.

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