Page 14 of The Devil's Den

My heart bursts from how sweet he is. “I’m going to keep it safe. Somewhere no one knows about,” I say with a quiet breath, placing the paper against my heart, my palm squeezing at my chest.

“Can you also take this?” He says it so low, I almost don’t hear him as he removes something else from under his leg and hands it to me.

“Is that your family?” I ask, as I stare at three older boys with him, and a man who looks like he could be his dad.

He nods.

“I’ll keep it safe. I promise. No one will find it.”

“Thanks.”

The next thing I know, my arms are around his neck, holding tight, and he hugs me back.

I kind of like it.

* * *

MATTEO

THREE DAYS LATER

When I used to sleep in my own house, I could tell when it was day or night, but in this basement, with no windows, I don’t know. When Aida brings me breakfast every day, that’s when I know it’s morning.

It’s nice to have a friend in this stupid place. The chain hurts my wrist. It leaves a red mark on my skin. Whenever I’m allowed to shower, it feels nice to have the cold water on it, even while I shiver.

The door squeaks as it opens, and though I can’t see her from here, I know it’s Aida bringing me breakfast like always. I hope it’s pancakes again. They’re not as good as Dad used to make, but they’re pretty close. They even have chocolate chips in them like his did.

She comes in with a plate of pancakes. “Yes!” I whisper-shout. “I was hoping that’s what she made again.”

But instead of her usual smile, she frowns. Getting nearer, she hands me a plate, not even sitting down like she usually does.

“What’s wrong, Aida?” I grab the food, taking a bite, my stomach growling.

“There are some men upstairs with my dad.” She looks to the floor, biting into her bottom lip. “I think they’re here for…”

“For what?” My heart beats fast.

“For you,” she whispers, staring big-eyed at me, tears gathering inside. “I tried asking my dad what they’re doing here, but he told me to get lost. I kept listening anyway and heard them say they’ll take you out of here. You can’t go!” she cries, kneeling on the floor, clasping her hand over my chained-up one. “I won’t let them take you.”

I place the plate down. “It’s okay, Aida. No matter where I go, I’ll always find you. Forever means always.”

“Pinky swear?” Her eyes are full of tears as she holds hers out for mine.

“Pinky swear.” I fasten our pinkies together.

The door booms open, like someone kicked it. Multiple footsteps traverse over the stairs, so I stuff a pancake into my mouth, eating quickly while Aida gets up, staring at the men now in front of us.

She blocks them from me, her arms out. “Stay away from him!” The men shove her away, and she falls hard onto the floor.

“Hey! Don’t touch her!” I jump to my feet. “What’s wrong with you?”

A man laughs, pulling up the sleeves of his black t-shirt. “Shut up, kid.” The other jerk grabs my arm, and with a key in his hand, he unlocks the chain from my wrist and drops it on the floor with a heavy clank.

“Let me go!” I kick him, stomping on his foot.

“Fuck! You stupid brat!” He whacks me on the face with a palm and I fall back down on the bed, clasping a hand over the pain.

“Get your damn shoes on!” He picks them up from the opposite corner, throwing both at my face, causing me to hurt more.

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