Page 2 of Carnal

He cautiously runs his finger across my forehead, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear, causing me to I cringe. He sees it but doesn't move his hand off me. His lips twitch and he slides his palm over my cheek, holding me firmly. "Did you forget who we are?"

My pulse pounds between my ears.We? What is he talking about?

My lack of response answers his question. Instead of disappointment flooding his expression, it's as if he expected my reaction, which only adds to the confusion.

My voice cracks as I claim, "I-I-I don't know you."

He nods, insisting, "You do. In time you'll remember."

"Do you know your name?" Kiko interjects.

I tear my gaze off Biagio, turning toward Kiko. The longer I stare at him, the more horrified I get.

What is my name?

Oh God! Why don't I know my name?

"It's okay, baby. The doctor said there's a good chance it will all come back," Biagio declares.

I snap my face toward him and grimace from more stabs of pain. "What will come back?"

"Your memory," he responds.

My heart pounds harder against my rib cage, creating more horrible sensations. "I lost my memory?"

Biagio glances at Kiko and motions with his head for him to leave the room, ordering, "And shut the door."

Kiko obeys, and once the lock clicks in place, more fear pummels me.

Biagio places both palms on my cheeks. "Everything is going to be okay. I promise."

"Wh-who..." I squeeze my eyes shut, needing hydration like never before.

He grabs a glass of water off the table. "Here, baby. Have a sip." He holds it to my lips.

I drink, relishing the moisture in my mouth and throat.

"Better?" he asks, his dark eyes softer than before.

"Yes. Thank you."

He sits the glass down then picks up my hand. He kisses it then tilts his head, reassessing me.

"Please say something," I beg, unsure what question I should ask first and feeling too foggy to put my anxiety into words.

He takes a deep inhale, strokes my cheek, then answers, "The doctor said you have amnesia."

"What?" I try to sit up again, but he holds his forearm against my neck so I can't move. It freaks me out, but I'm too hurt to fight.

"Pina, stop moving. You need to not make any quick movements, or you could hurt yourself further," he directs.

Pina. My name is Pina.

Is it?

Oh God!

I freeze, blinking hard, but tears fall.Why can't I remember anything?

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