Page 3 of Carnal

"Listen, baby. You don't need to worry about anything right now," Biagio declares.

"Why can't I remember anything?" I sob.

"Shhh. It's okay. The doctor said it's probably temporary," he reiterates.

"But I... I don't..." I squeeze my eyes shut and try to stop the emotions overpowering me, but I can't. More pain shoots through my ribs as my chest heaves with scared sorrow.

He firmly holds my face in his hands and orders, "Pina, look at me."

I manage to obey.

He asserts, "Everything will be okay. I'm going to take good care of you, just like I always have."

"But I don't remember you," I cry out, and more tears roll over his fingers.

His eyes stay in control. There's no emotion in them, only confidence. It strikes me as odd, but I can't pinpoint why. He replies, "Yes. And one day, you will. In the meantime, I'm going to take care of you. All you need to know is that you love me, and I love you."

Love? How can I love a man I don't remember?

I shake my head, and more hammers pound into my skull.

He holds my face tighter. "Stop moving."

I obey again, unable to fight.

"Good girl," he praises, but it makes me cringe inside. The machine next to me beeps faster, and he arches his eyebrows. "Your IV is empty. I'll send the nurse in to change the bag."

"What is it?" I ask.

He shrugs. "Hydration. Vitamins. Everything you need to make you well enough for me to move you."

Goose bumps break out on my arms. I don't know where I am right now, but something about leaving this room scares me. "Move me?"

He runs his thumb over my lips. " Yes. You don't think we live in this dump, do you?"

My eyes dart to the paint-chipped wall and dusty blinds. I refocus on him.

"Well?" he asks.

"I-I don't know," I admit.

He smiles. "You'll love my place. It's unlike this one."

"Then why am I here? Why aren't I in a hospital?" I interrogate.

His eyes turn to slits. He purses his lips for a moment then chuckles. "That's the Pina I know. Always asking smart questions."

His remark sends a bolt of pride through me. I think,At least I'm not an idiot.

He adds, "The doctors and nurses are the best in the country. I can assure you that your medical care has been nothing less than superior. I had to bring you here until the risks were over." The machine beeps again, and he reaches for it and then pushes a button. The loud noise stops.

My agitation grows. "What risks? I don't understand."

A dark storm swirls in his orbs. He snarls, "The Marinos."

"Who are the Marinos?" I ask.

"Our enemy," he fumes. He leans down and pecks me on the lips. The hairs on my neck rise. I turn my head and blink hard.

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