Page 37 of Absolution

“Tsk, tsk. That’s no way for a lady to talk. You better be careful how you speak to me, Gina.”

“Or what?”

“Or I might have to invite a few friends to come with me. Maybe if your mouth is too full of cock, you’ll think twice about smarting off to me.”

My vision darkened, but I kept pulling in air.

“Looks like you might be smart after all.”

“Go to hell.” I found my voice again.

“I’ve already been there. All because of you. But don’t worry, I plan on making sure you’re properly punished. Did you tell Leo about the present I gave you?”

When I remained silent, he cackled. “Oh, you didn’t, did you? Poor Leo doesn’t know his precious girl is a junkie, does he? How adorable. Not to worry, he’ll find out soon enough. Be sure to tell him I called again, will ya? Let him know I look forward to seeing him. I’ll see you soon too, sweet Gina.”

Then the line went dead. With shaking hands, I hung up the phone just as Leo stepped into the room wearing only a towel around his waist. My eyes followed a droplet of water from the large tattoo covering his entire shoulder down his chest. The room around me dimmed except that single drop of water.

“Hey, doll…” his voice briefly trailed off. “Shit, baby, you’re hyperventilating.”

He grabbed a brown paper lunch bag from the junk drawer and quickly shoved it in my face at the same time he lowered me into a chair.

“Breathe, Gina,” I could hear him coaxing me, but I was having difficulty following his instruction. “Just keep breathing. It’s okay. I’m here. You’re safe. Just breathe.”

Focusing on his words, I could feel my breathing slowing down incrementally with each breath I took inside the bag. Finally, I felt I had it under control.

“Better?” Leo peered down at me, his concern evident.

“Yeah. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“What the fuck just happened?”

“Gideon called.” I was surprised by how calm I sounded, especially after the panic attack I’d just had.

Leo punched the wall nearest him, and I flinched.

“That mother fucker. Why didn’t you come get me?”

“It all happened so fast.”

“Bastard. What did he say?”

“That we’ll see him soon.” I left out the rest of it.

Leo squatted down in front of me. “He’s not going to fucking touch you.”

My heart started to race again, and my chest hurt.

“I don’t feel very well,” I said as my hands trembled uncontrollably.

“Gina, look at me.”

Leo’s words were perfectly clear, but I couldn’t figure out how to do as he asked.

“Gina, look at me.” This time his command was sharp and immediately I complied. “He’s not going to fucking touch you.”

Chapter 23

Gina

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