Page 10 of The Devil's Den

My throat aches as I edge a step backward. “I’m really sorry. I wish I could help you. I swear.” Tears fill my eyes. “I don’t know why my dad would do this to you. It’s not nice.”

“Okay. Okay. I believe you.” He huffs. “Just don’t cry.”

I nod, unable to stop the tears from falling.

“Maybe you can ask him to let me go?” He looks so hopeful, like I could actually do something, but I’m nothing. Not to my dad. Not to anyone.

“My father doesn’t like me very much.”

His eyes widen. “But you’re his daughter.”

I shrug. “I killed my mom, so he hates me.”

He frowns, but I continue anyway.

“When I was a baby, my mom died when she gave birth to me.”

“That’s not your fault.” He glares.

I shrug again, not knowing what to say.

“Your dad’s a real jerk. Whenever I get out of here, I’ll take you with me.”

“Really?” I breathe, afraid my dad is listening, the door still open.

“If you want to,” he whispers.

“I want to.” I let a tiny flicker of a smile line my lips and one makes it to his mouth too.

“Then it’s a deal. When I find a way out, you’ll come with me.”

“I will.”

CHAPTERFOUR

AIDA

THREE DAYS LATER

In the past three days,whenever I bring him food, he talks to me. We don’t spend too much time together in case my daddy catches me and gets mad that I stayed too long. But it’s enough. I’d like to think we’re friends now.

He told me about his parents, about how his mom died a few years ago, and about what happened to him the day one of my uncles killed his father.

I don’t think I ever realized how bad my family was until I found him chained up like he’s a dog. I’ve told him about my life too. How I wish I knew my mommy. How I wanted my daddy to love me. How I wanted to have friends and be normal.

I don’t know how many days we have together, because knowing my dad, he could change his mind and stop letting me come down here. So today, I decide to sneak something to Matteo when I bring him lunch. With a pen and a small notepad in my pocket, I carry a bowl of rice and fried chicken down to him.

As soon as he sees me, he sits up straighter and smiles the brightest one I’ve ever seen. I can’t help it, I smile right back.

“Hi,” he says.

“Hey.” I take a seat next to him, not understanding why I’m suddenly shy.

“Thanks, Aida.” He takes the bowl from me, putting it in between his thighs so he can use the spoon.

Seeing him eat while locked up like this… I just wish I could do something. But there’s nothing I can do.

“I never asked how old you are,” he asks, his mouth full.

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