Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 91243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91243 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 456(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 304(@300wpm)
I’m completely speechless. I’ve been living in the Russo mansion for so long, and I’ve gotten used to fading opulence. My home was filled with fraying rugs and peeling wallpaper.
But this place is pristine. Marble floors buffed to a shine. Impeccable modern furniture. Everything is white, black, and gray. There’s not a splash of color anywhere.
I try to imagine Rosie living here. We’re going to need rugs.
“My name’s Satya, and I’ll take care of anything you want. I’ll be your primary contact. You want something? Don’t hesitate to ask. I’m told to provide you with whatever you need.” She eyes me up and down, frowning. “I suppose we’d better start with a bath and some fresh clothes. How about you give me that little one while you freshen up?”
“Absolutely not.” I pull away, my heart racing suddenly at the thought of giving my daughter to a woman who works for that monster.
She doesn’t seem bothered by my reaction. She only smiles and holds up her hands. “Fair enough, should’ve thought more. Where you go, the baby girl goes too. And such a little cutie. Beautiful little Rosie.”
“How do you know her name?”
“I was briefed on you, Mrs. Cardone. Now, come right this way. I’ll show you the place and let you get settled…” She talks as she goes, and I follow numbly.
She was briefed, which means all these people knew I was coming. They knew what Mass was going to do, and she’s acting like it’s not a big deal. I want to scream. How is this happening? How am I here, in the most beautiful apartment I’ve ever seen, with what is probably a top-ten-in-the-world view of the ocean and pristine white sand beaches, while also being a victim of a horrific kidnapping and murder?
It makes no sense. None of this makes sense.
“And here’s the bedroom.” She pushes open a set of double doors.
Of course. The sheets are black. The headboard is cushioned in black velvet. The furniture is all dark wood. She starts showing me around, but I refuse to step inside.
This is his domain. “I want my own space. I want my own room.”
Satya hesitates. She frowns and looks slightly uncomfortable. “That’s not possible, I’m afraid.”
“What about anything I want?”
“There are some restrictions. No phone, no internet, no separate space. While you’re here—”
“While I’m a prisoner?”
“You’re fully and completely here.” She seems almost apologetic but ignores the whole prisoner thing. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Cardone.”
“This place is massive. There has to be something… anything else…”
“Not for you, I’m afraid. Come, take a look at this bathroom. It’s gorgeous. You’ll love it, and the closet? Well, I went to the liberty of stocking some things for you already based on your measurements. I hope you don’t mind…”
It’s all too much. I feel sick and dizzy. Rosie happily crawls around on the bed, bouncing and flailing. She likes the soft blanket and sheets. Satya keeps talking about how lovely this place is, how comfortable I’ll be, but the truth lurks under everything.
Those high walls? That barbed wire?
It’s for me.
To keep me inside.
“Now, I can tell you’ve been through a lot, so I’ll let you get acclimated. In the meantime, before I go, do you want anything? There’s food in the kitchen, but if the little one has preferences, I can bring more right away.”
She stands in front of me, beaming and personable, and I hate her. I hate her so much, but it isn’t really her, it’s this place.
It’s Mass.
“Baby-proofing,” I blurt out.
She blinks. “Sorry?”
“This apartment. It’s a deathtrap. Tons of slippery floors and hard edges. I need babyproofing.”
“Right. Of course.” She nods to herself. “I’ll speak with Mr. Cardone and get it resolved immediately. Anything else?”
“A playpen. Something portable I can stick her in while I shower.”
“We’d be happy to keep an eye—”
“Don’t ask again.” I stare at her, barely keeping my rage in check. But I force myself to stay calm. “Playpen, please.” It’s not ideal, but I’m desperate to keep Rosie where I can see her.
“Right away.” Satya turns and strides off, leaving me alone in Mass’s bedroom.
When I was younger, I used to read stories about near-death experiences. There are surprisingly consistent reports of bright lights, smiling ancestors, and a paradise waiting right across the porous borders of life and afterlife.
Now I know that’s all bullshit.
Because I’m definitely dead. Nothing else could explain what’s happening to me. I died during my wedding, and now I’ve been dragged into hell.
The only thing keeping me going is Rosie.
I have to keep it together for her.
I don’t know what Mass has planned for us. He can talk about making us comfortable and giving my daughter a good life all he wants, but it’s only noise.
I’m focused on survival and getting my daughter out of here.
Everything else is a distraction, and I won’t let it keep me from getting my little girl home.