Last chance. If I get into the car, they’ll own me again. If I’m going to run, I have to do it now. The Colonia has no hold on me. They won’t chase me out in public. I can find my way back to the house. The Skylark is still parked right there, in front of the hydrant. It’s crooked. Parked by a beginner with the keys still in her pocket.
Run.
Once I go back inside the Colonia, I’m going to be watched more than anyone I’ve ever known. That will be the end of hope for me.
“Goody,” Massimo calls.
Dario will understand. He worked so hard to free my mind. Going back in is a betrayal of what he wanted.
Run, run, run.
I can run. I can be free, or I can go to Dario.
There really is no choice.
I get in the car.
CHAPTER 6
SARAH
When I join Massimo in the back seat, I can see the sweat beading on his brow.
“Murray Hill,” he tells Ray.
“You got it.” He pulls out and smiles at me when he checks behind him. “Nice to have you back.”
Massimo doesn’t wait for me to encourage the conversation. “What did you think you were doing in there? In ten minutes, all the women are going to be yackity-yacking about you giving orders.”
“I’ll ask nicer next time.”
“No. Here’s how it’s going to be.”
“Tell me how it’s going to be, Emo.”
“You’re one of us, and you’re sticking to your story.” He lowers his voice, so Ray won’t hear. “You have no feelings for Lucari.”
“None?”
“You hate him. Do you understand? If anyone thinks you care about him, like this—” He snaps his fingers. “You’re worthless. And you know what happens then.”
I nod and look away. I know what happens, and I won’t be as lucky as Dafne. I’ll live.
“Our father’s dead. You’re in mourning. Dress. Veil. The whole thing. You walk around like someone took your heart out.”
“Someone did.”
He looks me up and down, letting out a humorless chuckle. “Fucking women.”
“I want to see him.”
“Tomorrow. I need to see what’s going on here first.” He looks out the window.
That’s the end of discussion.
We ride in silence until Ray pulls up to the apartment we shared with Daddy and Grandma. The last time I saw this place, I was in a wedding gown, ready to marry the wrong man.
“Ray’s gonna take you up,” Massimo says. “I have to retake what that asshole’s trying to steal. I’ll send for you.”
“You should stay off the leg.”
He ignores the advice as if he’s already down at Precious Blood, seizing his birthright. “Our grandmother still lives here. Be careful around her.”
“As always.”
“Remember…” He snaps his fingers. That’s how fast I’ll be worthless enough to hollow.
Ray opens the door to let me out and escorts me to the elevators. I know what he did to Dafne in the greenhouse. My skin crawls in such a tight space with him.