Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 33564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33564 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 168(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 112(@300wpm)
I slowly lower my gun. “Get her back home. Keep her safe.”
His demeanor changes, his eyebrows rising for a split second. Then he backs out of the room and disappears. Right along with my heart.
20
OLIVIA
“Please let me compose myself,” I ask my brothers as we draw closer to home. They’re the first words I’ve spoken since I got into the blacked-out SUV.
The silence that had fallen over the inside of the vehicle was eerie and so not like my family. Then again, they thought I was likely dead or worse. To a degree, my heart does feel as though a piece of it has died. The way Sergei talked about taking my virginity cut me deep.
It’s not that I held it on some pedestal or anything. But I did have this moment where I gave him a gift I’d given to no other. I thought we had something, but obviously it was just me being naïve. Because if he cared about me in the least, he wouldn’t have tossed me away so easily.
Even now with how hurt I am, I can’t bring myself to believe that there isn’t goodness in Sergei. None of this makes sense, but I guess I’ll never understand the mind of a Taletti. I thought he was different, but that just shows how naïve I am when it comes to men.
Right now, I need to think of my own family. Clearly, that’s what Sergei is doing. This is the last way I want my mom or sister to see me. I’m not only a mess, but I’m dressed in men's clothing. This stress doesn’t need to be added to my sister. I know my mom could handle it, but there is no reason to burden her with it.
“Back row,” Leon tells me. I glance over the seat to see a bag. I grab it. Inside I find some of my own things. My brothers keep their eyes away as I quickly change into leggings and my favorite oversized sweater. They even brought my thick socks and sneakers. I brush my hair out, but I know there is no way to hide my red, blotchy face. I try to stop the tears, but each time I get them under control, more come.
When we pull through the gates, my mom and dad are waiting. I don’t get a chance to open the door before my mom is already doing it, hugging me so tightly I can’t breathe. I hug her back, wanting the comfort.
“All right. Give her some room, love.” Dad manages to pull her back but only to come in and hug me himself. His mouth drops to my ear in a whisper. “Did he hurt you?” His question was for my ears only. I love all my family, but my father and I have always held the closest bond in understanding.
“Not physically.”
He nods without question, knowing what I mean.
“Gina?” I ask, wanting to see my sister immediately.
“Come, baby girl.” My mom holds her hand out to me, and I go with her. The men linger behind, my brothers sure to share everything that went down with my dad.
I’m kind of relieved not to have to answer any more questions at the moment, but I know that won’t last for long. My dad will give me some space to get myself together before he talks to me.
“Don’t get up!” I order my sister when I enter the bedroom. Her eyes fill with tears when she sees me. “I’m fine. I promise.” I go to her and kiss her cheek. She hugs me.
“I love you.”
“Love you too.” I put my hand on her belly. “And this one?”
“Good.” Her eyes roam over me. I can feel my mom standing behind me. “You look okay.”
“I said I’m fine.”
“I don’t understand.” Her brows furrow together. “You smell like a man. Not like a man, but like you’ve been …” She narrows her eyes. “Mom, did you smell it too?”
My cheeks start to warm.
“I did.”
“Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?” my sister pushes.
“I promise that what you’re both thinking didn’t happen,” I reassure them. I don’t elaborate and tell them that I’d been a willing participant in what happened between Sergei and me.
“Okay, only double checking. You might need to be tested or you know”—she licks her lips—“the morning after pill.”
Now that sucks all the air out of my lungs. I swear it feels like a punch to the gut. I hadn’t thought of those things.
“Let’s leave her be.” Mom comes over, taking my hand in hers. “Give everyone some time to calm down.” She gives my hand a squeeze.
“I’d actually love a shower.”
“All right.” Mom nods. I can tell neither want me to leave the room, but I really need a second alone.
It’s not until I’m in the shower, Sergei washing away from my body, that I start to sob. My mind starts to replay everything.