all the massacres, the genocides, volcanic eruptions, suicides, homicide, and every na

way in my head-a few would be taken, and

always l

uld cross over to the other side, they'd get their raptur

me out? I asked these questions because at

to be r

my head as my eyes shot open. The thought popped into

trong odor of

d see the IV drip bag resting on the white

ast taunting my consciousness. Every memory I loathed resurfaced, leaving me a whimpering mess-there was

the continuous beeping noise that wo

didn't stop. "Shut it the fuck off!" I forced my voice aloud, my eyes fina

oct

uspiciously, his confused eyes darting around the entire room as if to mock my inability to

s throat. "In

ent," I observed

his fingers working fast as he scribbled a few things on a clipboard. "It is quite concerning that you wound up here all beat u

.

med shut. The same ocean blue eyes that had kept me on my toes for mo

which see

e edge of the bed. One glare shot at the doctor and the ma

by the look in his eyes. "Anonymous tip," he drawled his answer. "I've missed you, Ginevra

ll s

remely difficult man-he wasn't just di

l of my shoe made contact with the ground. I didn't know how long I was unconsciou

nymore. My head was a mess. My nightmares ha

was hallucinating, but I could

me. And that something clawed at my

r them to spare me even a minute of torture. But

They didn't stop until I was silenced. It took about a w

ing silence had stretched across the room, leaving me in complete fear.

r gift, Ginevra Rodriguez, and I can only wonder how stupid you are to have stepped foot on Russ

my throat as I managed to breathlessly

He had asked

seek," I said, my words a com

ve courage. "You really are gutsy. A person in your present state attempting

afford to show my fear. I had to prove myself worthy. I had already gotten the

n my voice was stable enough to exude authority. "If you were cap

they did unchain me, it hadn't taken a second before I was dragged acro

l me what you know about the m

n't willing to give up any answers just yet. I needed to strike a

I had passed out in the middle of my unending hell, an

going exceed

a long, shuddered breath. "The Pakhan gave me fi

ve been here for three days and that leaves you

ll sore all over, I don't t

, Ginevra, pain is a state of mind. Get your ass out of that bed and do what you need to

r myself and for Julia. I had to stan

gth I could, and slid ou

ugged down a cup of coffee and got a shot of mo

d to do was

continuously to myself as I drove

d five more cups of coffee befor

meeting with the members of the parliament was already sche

ge

and both sisters-they were seated with smiles on their faces as they conversed whilst having a peaceful l

appy within

of guilt lifted off my shoulders. I co

ll eyes snapped towards me and with a shrug of m

he fuck are yo

lips. "I'm staring at you, Gustavo, and I'm wonderin

hat his son was capable of, and the look in his eyes showed how petrified

your son, papà. Ask him why

za!" Gust

lming breath. A shaky breath. "Wha

ddle finger pushing a raspberry fruit into my mouth as my

sti

ths

dropp

med my mot

jaw locked.

rest brother screamed in fear. "Why're you accusing m

I declared, throwing my tab and a brown envelop

ffer because you chose to be stupid! I'm done. I'm done protecting you, and I'm d

pinged with rage. "As the head of this family, you'll not let

gaze fell on my pale-looking brother. "Except he's willing to give me a name

d absent

ak he truly was. "We

I can't be

put a bullet in your skull if you don't start talking right this instant! You thin

vo's chest quaked. "I

reath strained and ragged. "Y

ondition.

es free with you. Get it done, I

in. "Of cour

with a smile on my face-I felt their gazes burn

hadn't faltered, and m

s wi

wo