Page 31 of Tristano

“Always,anima gemella,” I murmur, squeezing her tight.

“Guys, we’re on a tight schedule. We need to go,” Declan calls out, bringing me back to the present.

“Sorry,” Serena says softly, voice full of shame.

“It’s okay. Now introduce me to your friend,” I say, looking back at the young girl.

“This is Olivia.”

“Hi Olivia, I’m Sabrina’s friend, Tris. Is it okay if I get those off of you?” I ask, pointing at the cuffs.

She nods, holding out her hands. I quickly undo her cuffs, only to be knocked back on my ass as she also rushes into my arms, hugging me.

“Thank you. Thank you so much,” she repeats over and over as she cries into me.

I look over her shoulder at Serena, seeing her crying as she watches us.

Moving the girl until I can stand, I pick her up in my arms. Then I hold my hand out to Serena.

She interlocks her fingers with mine as I escort them both out of the warehouse.

We might have won today, but at what cost?

These girls will never be the same again.

I look back to Serena.

How much damage can she take until she breaks for good?

ChapterSeven

“Thank you,” I say to the nurse as she leaves the room.

My eyes shift toward Tristano. He’s sitting in a chair with his legs spread, his arms resting on his knees, and his head bowed. I’ve never seen him with any facial hair until now, and just like I thought when I was seventeen, it makes him all that more attractive.

“How are you?” he asks, keeping his head down.

“What?” I ask, shaking my head.

Tristano looks up and smirks. “Like what you see?”

I roll my eyes. “You know I do. That sweatshirt looks comfortable.”

And smells like you,I don’t say.

Tristano stands, and as he takes off the hoodie, it pulls his shirt up, showing off his abs.

I may have just gone through something traumatic, but I’m not dead. Good to know.

“Here,” he says, holding the piece of clothing out for me.

“Are you sure?” I ask as I reach for it.

“What’s mine is yours. You know that.”

I clear my throat. “I’m not wearing anything under this.” I point to the hospital gown.

“Do you want me to turn around?” he asks.

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