Page 83 of Unwrapped

She hang her head. “No. Don’t take it out on him.”

“Are you gonna take his punishment. You offering?”

“Yes.” She whispers.

I shift uncomfortably as the air between them changes. My own balls tighten, listening to the meaning behind their words. She’s gonna submit to him tonight. Do whatever he wants and he’s gonna punish her in a much sweeter way than he would Federico. But from the look in his eyes; he’s gonna make it burn first.

“I’ll see you both later. Luce—you’ll help?”

“Of course, I will.” But her eyes never leave her man’s.

Taking my coffee, I walk back out in the cold wondering how in the hell I’m gonna reveal to Shi I’m her man when she’s hurting so bad thinking the worst of me. Thinking I’m talking up two women at the same time.

20

FREDDIE

MY TUMMY GROWLS. But I don’t dare leave the safety of the small bedroom I share with two other girls. Being in the system sucks. But at least no one’s hurt me…not like my friend Chloe. She’s back here after being fostered into a family that sold naked pictures of her. They’re in jail and she’s back here. No longer filled with hope that her someday of ever leaving for good will ever come.

“I’ll ask him. I know he’ll help you.”

“No,” she sniffs. “I don’t trust him. You shouldn’t either Freddie.” I hug her tight.

“I have to believe. I just have to.”

“I’m scared for you.”

“I kind of am too. I want a chance to belong to a real family. Dare said he met a woman. I think he’s in love.”

“You’re too innocent Freddie. That’s why I’m afraid for you. No man falls in love with some woman he just met or makes plans to foster a kid he met on the street.”

“Dare’s different. You’ll see.”

“They…he…they…” She stops, unable to speak. Her body trembles. “…they did things to me, Freddie. Down there.”

My palms sweat. I’m only ten but I understand more than I should for my age. “Did you tell anyone?”

She shakes her head. “I couldn’t. I was too afraid. Too ashamed…that no one would want to adopt a thirteen-year-old girl who’s messed up now.”

“You’re not.”

“I am.”

My tummy growls again.

“I’m too afraid to go downstairs. Cooper’s back and I don’t like the way he looks at me.”

She shivers. “I’ll sneak out for you.”

“No. It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. I’ll grab something quick. Lock the door and move the dresser in front.”

“Okay.”

I do what Chole says and wait. And wait. Until shouts and screams come from downstairs. Trembling, I move the dresser. I don’t want to go but my friend needs me. I take out the cell Mr. Roque gave me just in case. With my finger hovering over his name, I creep closer to the stairs, horrified at the scene below.

Cooper and a gang of boys have Chole pinned against a wall. Her panicked eyes meet mine and she shakes her head slightly, urging me not to intervene. Moving back into the shadows I hit call.

---