Page 52 of Death

The thought shocks the hell out of me, and I quickly pull away from him.

“Let’s sit down,” he says.

I follow him to the table we sat at yesterday, and as I take a seat, I glance around the area. I’m once again struck by how beautiful the villa is, while my racing heart starts to calm down.

“Pedro, have all the guards clear out of the house. Only you are allowed to come inside until Ciara feels more comfortable,” Santiago says, and when I look at him, it’s to see he’s speaking into a two-way radio.

“I’ll take care of it,” I hear Pedro reply.

Santiago’s eyes meet mine, then he adds, “When you’re done, come to the veranda so I can introduce you to Ciara.”

“Okay.”

He places the radio on the table. “I think it will help if you meet Pedro. It will only be for a minute, and I’ll be here the whole time.” His expression relaxes, and his eyes drift over the clothes I’m wearing. “Oh. Dominik sent more photos.” He pulls his phone out of the pocket of the light brown slacks he’s wearing. Unlocking the device, he enters the gallery before holding it out to me. “Have a look.”

My eyes dart between his face and the device before I take it from him. When I see all the photos, I can’t look at them fast enough.

Oh my gosh. Grace.

My nose begins to tingle, and happiness washes through me, making my vision blur. I blink quickly so I can see clearly.

There’s one of Grace standing on a boat, the wind blowing her blonde hair, and it looks like she’s laughing.

Forgetting where I am, I lean over the phone and obsessively look at all the photos.

I miss you so much.

A tear lands on the screen, and I use my sleeve to wipe it away.

Even though I know I might get in trouble, I don’t care. I give Santiago a pleading look, my voice is hoarse as I beg, “Please, can I talk to her now?”

“Of course,mi sol,” he murmurs. He doesn’t take the phone from me, but instead, he just taps on the screen. He brings up Dominik’s number and presses dial.

“Hey, are we doing this now?” Dominik answers, but I don’t recognize his voice. Then again, I didn’t know him for long before I was taken.

“Yes,” Santiago replies. “I have the call on speakerphone.”

“Okay.” There’s a moment where I don’t hear anything, then Dominik says, “Milácik, Ciara is on the phone.”

“What?” I hear Grace gasp, and my breathing instantly turns choppy, and my vision blurs again. “Take Kristian.” I hear a lot of moments, then Grace says, “Ciara! Are you there?”

My lips part, but instead of words, a sob bursts from me.

“Oh my God,” Grace cries. “Ciara?”

“Hi,” I manage to squeeze out.

“Hi.” I hear more sobs from Grace, and it only makes me cry harder.

Suddenly, I feel Santiago’s hand on my back. It’s actually comforting and doesn’t fill me with disgust like Nolan’s touches did. I take a deep breath, then say, “I miss you so much.”

“I miss you too, sweetheart.” Grace sniffles. “God, it’s so good to hear your voice. How are you?”

I close my eyes and try to think of an answer to give her.

Everything I’ve been through hits me in dark flashes, and my gaze darts to Santiago.

“Tell her about the photos,” he encourages me.

---