Page 60 of Stone
Everything was perfect, yet it wasn’t.
The burner phone purchased days before caught my attention, the flash on the screen a reminder I was still playing a dangerous game. I’d called my father when I’d known I wouldn’t reach him, stoic in my words and tone of voice while allowing him to know I was perfectly fine and hadn’t been injured. I’d left no indication of my plans or any information about Stone.
It simply wasn’t his business to know anything about my life. He trapped me into a nightmare long ago, but as I’d continued to remind myself, I wasn’t that girl any longer. She’d grown and learned from her mistakes. Would they haunt me for the rest ofmy life? Of course they would, but that didn’t mean I’d easily surrender to my father’s demands.
Those days were over.
“Thank God you’re alright,” Colette said, issuing a deep moan.
Thankfully, Stone had allowed me to contact my best friend so at least she’d know that I was safe. “I’m fine. How are things?”
“Your apartment. God, Daniella. It’s a wreck. I did what I could so when you came back it wasn’t a disaster, but I don’t know what you want to keep or throw away.”
I cringed, forced to relive the abduction if only for a few seconds. “Thank you, but stop worrying. I’ll take care of everything.”
“When are you coming back?”
“I don’t know. It’s still dangerous. Has anything odd happened, any mysterious people at the store?”
“No. The press aren’t providing any details either. Oh, I did get your mail. I’m sorry. I opened a few pieces. I do have some good news.”
“What’s that?” Right now, I could use some good news.
“Francois Lambert is asking you to do a show.” She squealed since she knew how important the news would be.
Francois was a major player in the art world. He owned several galleries including in Paris, Barcelona, and Milan. Obtaining his nod meant you became a sensation overnight. Why was I suddenly uncertain I was happy?
When I said nothing, Colette sighed. “You don’t sound thrilled.”
“I am. It’s just… complicated.” I wasn’t in the position to tell her anything, including the identity of the man who’d rescued me. Keeping my rescuers confidential had been one of the rules before Stone would agree to letting me call.
“Well, you’ll need to tell him something in about a week.”
“Plenty of time. I should be home by then.”
“I’m so glad you’re safe and I miss having you around.”
We chatted for a few more minutes before I ended the call. The strange thing was that I didn’t feel as homesick as I thought I would. I put the phone on the table holding my paints and stared out at the ocean. The day was beautiful, truly a paradise.
Feeling Stone’s presence caused a hitch in my breath. He’d purposely avoided me for three days. Three days of silence. Of not knowing what he was thinking. Of dreading he would experience another nightmare. Three days of being locked in the house.
And three days of extreme loneliness.
And worry.
After his admittance, it seemed he truly wanted me to be afraid of him. That would never happen. But I had no clue how to express my feelings in a way he’d accept.
I tried to continue pretending I was working even as my skin vibrated from electricity.
“Is your friend okay?” he asked.
“She’s fine. Don’t worry. I didn’t tell her anything except that I was okay.” And I had no intention of telling him about Francois’ offer.
“Good girl. How’s your leg?” He’d dressed my wound every day, taking good care to ensure there was no infection. He’d been so gentle, so loving, yet the spark that had been rekindled seemed snuffed out. Nothing could make me any more despondent than knowing how much pain he was in.
I dangled my leg for him to see. “Now, it’s itching.”
“That’s a good sign.”
