Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79685 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 319(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“You never get sick. What’s with you?”
“I think the burritos I had earlier were a little off.”
“Oh.” I switch off the saw. “Take care of the wound so you can get to bed.”
I stand back, and while Samuel does his thing, I glance down at my body to make sure I didn’t get any blood on me. There are only a few drops on my hand.
Seeing a cloth on the table, I walk over to it and wipe the drops off. My eyes go to Nolan’s face, which is pale with shock.
“How’s your sanity holding up, Nolan?” I move closer to his head and look down at him. “Don’t lose your mind yet. Ciara survived over nine months with you. Surely you can hold out a few weeks?”
He makes an unintelligible sound, something wounded that sounds like he’s losing it.
“Tsk.” I shake my head. “It’s a pity you’re so weak.” I pat his cheek, but his eyes remain glazed. He doesn’t show any signs that he’s registering the pain.
Letting out a sigh, I mutter, “Don’t bother, Samuel. He snapped.”
I reach for the axe, and lifting it high, I bring it down on Nolan’s neck. I watch as the life drains from his eyes, then say, “Have men clean up the mess in the morning. That’s it for tonight.”
I drop the ax on the table and walk out of the cellar, then a smile spreads over my face.
Chapter 28
CIARA
Dressed in a comfy pair of jeans, a silk blouse, and ballet flats, I walk next to Santiago as we head to the village.
The aroma of grilled meat hits me before we reach the main road, and as I glance down the row of cottages, I see people sitting outside while others stand by tables covered with food.
Fires are lit in firepits, and there’s a happy buzz of voices. I even hear someone playing a guitar.
I recognize a woman and give her a friendly smile. I’m trying to memorize everyone’s names, but it’s going to take a while.
When we near a cottage, I lean into Santiago and ask, “This is where Carmen and Thiago live, right?”
He nods. “And Carmen’s mother, Catalina.”
I grin because I got their names right.
Passing another cottage, I say, “Pedro and Gianna live here.” I met Gianna yesterday on my way to a therapy session.
“Yes.” Santiago gestures at a man standing by a cottage across the road. “Who’s that?”
“Marc.”
He begins pointing out more people, and as I get their names right, my smile grows wider.
When we reach the area where some people are dancing, I see that Eladio is the one playing the guitar.
Santiago steps closer to the man who’s much younger than me, and when he places his hand on Eladio’s shoulder, the music stops, and Eladio looks up. When he sees Santiago, a smile spreads over his face.
“Are you fully recovered?” Santiago asks.
Eladio rolls his eyes. “It’s been a month. I’m as good as new.”
Santiago tilts his head. “Next time you don’t wear an armored vest, I’ll put you in the hospital myself.”
Eladio nods, and I see the love he has for Santiago written all over his face. “I won’t make that mistake again.”
“You better not.”
When Santiago walks back to my side, Eladio strums the guitar. “Any requests?”
Santiago thinks for a moment and says, “Hero.”
Eladio nods, then focuses on the instrument in his arms. When his voice begins to drift into the air, I stand transfixed, because he’s voice gives me chills.
Santiago’s arm wraps around my lower back, and as my eyes dart up to his face, his hips move and he starts to dance.
“Oh God,” I gasp. “I can’t dance.”
With his other hand, he takes hold of mine, a chuckle rumbling from him. “Just follow my lead.”
Santiago’s body commands mine, and I’m surprised that I’m actually dancing without falling over my feet.
His movements are so sensual, my stomach fills with butterflies, and I get lost in him while Eladio sings a song that describes Santiago.
Others start to dance around us, and as I smile up at the man who’s changed my entire life, he says, “It’s done, mi amor. I’ve killed your monster.”
My lips part on a gasp, and while I stare at Santiago, he twirls me in a circle before squashing me to his chest.
Standing between the people he’s saved, a weird calmness settles deep in my heart, and I close my eyes. Santiago keeps dancing slowly, his jaw brushing against my temple.
Every moment since I ran from that house of horrors flits through my mind.
Santiago grabbing me in the field.
Waking up in the hospital to see him sitting in the chair like a guardian angel.
Him waiting patiently for me to come out from under the bed.
His gentle voice and encouraging smiles.
My chin quivers, and I suck in a trembling breath because remembering everything Santiago has done for me is overwhelming.