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With all my strength I placed my hand on his shoulder, shoving him back and he stood beside me, deviance lighting up his eyes.

“Dinner is at six.” He stepped back as though he was reminding me. “Don’t be late.”

I watched him lift his hand to run his fingers up and down his jaw. Holding back a grin, he left my bedroom and shut the door behind himself.

I inhaled deeply, groaning as I lifted myself. I dragged my body across the room and dug my hidden cellphone out of the drawer in my closet.

With my fingers curled around the knife I could feel the sweat coating my forehead, my chest heaving as my vision blurred.

After finally getting my hands on the device, my face paled. It was crushed. Broken. Shattered. No…

Beside it was a different, brand new cellphone. Fuck.

Without thinking I grabbed it, knowing Kiryl’s number would already be on here.

“Miss Nirah?”

“Rosalia?” I managed to croak out and she hesitantly pushed my bedroom door open before she entered my closet. Her eyes widened and she hurried over.

“What happened— no no,” she stuttered, stopping at my side.

“Miss Nirah?” Kiryl’s voice drifted into the room and the cellphone fell from my fingers but was snatched up by Rosalia.

“Kiryl?” Rosalia’s voice trembled. “I need you to get the doctor!” she ordered before shifting her attention back to me and my face twisted in pain. “You’re okay, you’re okay.” She brushed my hair back and out of my face. “Just breathe.”

Footsteps were charging toward my room when darkness clouded my vision, and my heavy eyes fell shut.

“No, no no.” Rosalia gently slapped the side of my face. “Miss Nirah, keep your eyes open— oh God, no.” She gripped my face. “Miss Nirah!”

I lifted my bloody hand to her arm, prying my eyes open and when her scared eyes met mine, my heart grew heavy.

“What happened?” She breathed with concern and my bedroom door swung open.

Kiryl entered with the doctor and he ordered both of them to step back. And then… nothingness.

CHAPTER 20

Nirah

Antonio was well aware that I couldn’t be controlled, no matter how hard he, or anyone else tried.

So when I told him that Silvia and I were going out, he had no choice but to oblige.

Silvia and I were getting ready, dancing to Move Ya Body by Nina Sky, when a knock at the door startled us.

We shared a hesitant glance and I swallowed hard, turning to open the door. I was met with Kiryl, and the tension in my body disintegrated.

“Good evening, Miss Nirah. I wanted to inform you that the car is ready—”

“Car?” I folded my arms over my chest and he nodded again.

“Yes.” He looked past me, at Silvia, then continued. “I assumed Mr. De Luca informed you that myself, Koren and Santiago would be accompanying you.”

“Of course.” Silvia groaned, throwing both arms in the air. “Now we have babysitters, how fun.”

“My boss’ only concern is your safety, Miss.” He assured me. “I’m sure you understand.” I understood a lot. He wasn’t going to let me out of his sight no matter where I was going, who I was with, or what we’d agreed to.

“We’ll be fine, Kiryl.” I assured him but he only shook his head.