Page 171 of Carnal

Arianna comes back into the room, wheeling a big cart. The smell of garlic, cheese, and tomato thickens in the air. My stomach growls and the raw feeling I've had for so long intensifies.

"Come eat," Bridget orders, leading me to the table.

Shocked and relieved over the news about my family, I sit in the seat Bridget pulls out.

Arianna sets a silver-covered plate, a platter of cannoli, and a bread basket in front of me.

I grab a cannoli and take a bite. The pastry melts in my mouth, and I groan. She uncovers the lasagna, and I eat in silence.

I get half the plate of lasagna and half a breadstick in my stomach and then push the plate away. My stomach must have shrunk because I'm full.

My exhaustion sets in. The thought of Biagio's hands all over my body makes me feel dirty and ill. I want to scrub it off. I ask, "Can I shower?"

Bridget rises. "Sure. Let me show you where we keep all the towels and toiletries."

I follow her into the bathroom. She turns on the shower. I wait till it warms up and then step in the water, letting it cascade over my body. I shampoo and rinse it then open my eyes. I stare at the white tile.

A vision of Tristano and me kissing in the shower pops into my mind. I reach for the wall to steady myself. It's so intense and then it disappears. I try to recreate what happened in my mind, but I don't know much more than that little blip.

More confusion plagues me. I get out of the shower, dry off, and go into the other room. Arianna and Bridget are there.

"Your family just called. They're stuck in traffic, but they'll be here in about a half hour," Ariana informs me.

"Can I lie down for a bit?"

"Absolutely," Bridget responds, pulling back the covers on the bed.

"Try to sleep. We'll wake you up when they arrive," Arianna adds.

"Thank you." I slide underneath the silky sheet. Before I shut my eyes, I ask, "Will you promise me nobody will come in here except you two?"

They nod in agreement, which makes me relax further.

Arianna asks, "Do you want the light on or off?"

I ponder her question and answer, "Maybe leave the bathroom light on." I'm unsure why I'm scared of the dark. But I don't know who I am anymore. I don't know what I should or shouldn't be scared of.

Arianna flips the switch to the bathroom light. Bridget turns the bedroom lights off. They tell me good night and leave. The door shuts, and I close my eyes, falling into a deep sleep.

All sorts of flashbacks terrorize me. They're little pieces of information and only leave me with more questions.

Tristano restrains me in a room that looks familiar. I want to say it's a sex dungeon, but am I into that?

A bunch of roses arrive while I'm at a desk. There's a note, but I can't read it.

I'm on a beach. Tristano is rubbing sunscreen on me.

There's a motorcycle, the ring I wear on my finger, and Tristano down on one knee.

I bolt up in bed, a sweaty mess. My entire body shakes. I glance at the clock and can't believe it. I've been asleep for over sixteen hours unless the clock is wrong.

Is my family still here?

I get out of bed and turn on the light. I almost open the door, but then I stop. I don't know who's out there. I don't know where to go in this house. Any move I make could put me in danger.

Am I really in danger here?

I can't be 100 percent sure, so another hour passes while I debate.

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