Page 37 of Wild Card

Catriona

I hear voices outside the bedroom door. It pulls me from an uneasy sleep.

Gio and his uncle are arguing. My heart pounds and I stand up too quickly, grabbing onto the bed as my vision goes black for a moment. By the time I stumble over to lock the door it opens.

It’s Gio and I nearly throw myself on him in relief. His massive body blocks me from his uncle, who screams curses behind him.

He picks me up wordlessly. I cling to him, terrified. What is he doing? When I realize we’re heading up to that horrible attic, panic claws through me, and I dig my hands into his back.

“No, please,” I pant, burying my face in his neck as Lorenzo walks up behind us. Gio sets me on my feet, holding his hands on either side of my face.

“I have to talk to Freddie,” he says. “I don’t want to leave you here, but it’s safer than my apartment. It was designed to keep people safe and doesn’t have easy access through windows. It’ll be harder for Freddie or my uncle to get to you in the attic if things go wrong.”

My teeth chatter even as the damp heat of the attic causes sweat to prick at my temples. I could ask Gio to take me to my brothers, but I know that wouldn’t be enough for him. Even if it meant I was safe, it wouldn’t protect his family.

It wasn’t until we talked yesterday that I was even sure Callan would help me. He cares about me, but my father’s influence is strong. My siblings don’t want to cross him. Helping me might mean throwing off the complex ecosystem that allows them to maintain their relationships.

Gio holds my face in his hands still.

“Catriona. I need you to be strong, just a little while longer. Can you do that?”

Like I’ve ever had a fucking choice.

And why did I expect anything different from this man? Defeat sinks through me. I don’t stand a chance here.

“Just give me time to figure something out,” he says.

“Let’s get on with it, lover boy,” Lorenzo yells.

“Shut your useless fucking mouth, Lorenzo!” Gio yells back. He turns back to me. “Just a little while longer. I need to know you’ll be in a secure location.”

He doesn’t make me sit on the mattress, but that’s hardly a consolation.

“Time to do another video, sweetheart!” Lorenzo yells. “Your fans miss you.”

“Don’t bully her,” Gio growls. “You know what thin ice you’re on.”

“You’re so possessive.” Lorenzo chuckles. “Don’t get too attached, Gio. Remember the deal. She gets Daddy to get us the money by Friday or else.”

Or else what?

Lorenzo leers at me as if he’s read my mind. “Tell them I’ll kill you by Friday if Daddy doesn’t pay up, sweetheart. And if you don’t tell them, I’m going to find your little sister.”

My eyes snap to Gio.

“He was just drunk, right?” I stammer. “He didn’t plan on hurting her.” Anxiety rushes through me, fanning my worst fears into a raging fire.

“Lorenzo,” Gio warns.

“Just tell her to film the fucking video, Romeo.”

My stomach drops. It’s not like I’m surprised, but I don’t want to participate in this.

But I’m out of options.

Gio has my phone and holds it up to record me. I can’t believe he’s helping his uncle do this. I have to get a message to my brother. Even if I don’t survive this, he can look out for Bridget.

“Hi kittens,” I say, pulling my flowered robe around me. “I’ve missed you.” I start slowly signing letters with my free hand. It looks like I’m just shaking or fidgeting, but Callan will know what to do. He’s alarmingly brilliant.

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