Chapter 37

Camila

I reached for Dante’s hand, holding it between both of mine. “When I woke, I heard the men talking to someone. They called him boss.”

“Did they use a name?”

I shook my head. “They spoke in Spanish, telling the boss that they had me.” I began to sit up and Dante eased me back to a lying position. “Fine. I know how they found me.” He lifted his eyebrows. “This morning, I received an odd text.”

“In Spanish. I saw it. Catalina translated it for me.”

“The men said that when I opened the text message, a tracker was downloaded on my phone. They followed us to the museum and even knew when I went in the bathroom.”

Dante shook his head. “How did they get you out of the museum?”

“I don’t know.” I brought my hand to my neck. “I felt a sting. It might have been a needle, but I didn’t see anything. When I woke, I was tied up behind the seat of a truck.”

“Behind the seat?” Aléjandro asked.

“I pretended to be unconscious, but before they put me in the plane, they added the gag.”

I noticed Dante’s expression as he looked up, as if he was communicating with Jano in some wordless conversation. 

“Did they say where they were taking you in the plane?”

“I listened for a location, but I never heard one.”

Dante lifted his face. “They had to file a flight plan.” He took his phone from his pocket and spoke to the phone. “Check the airport. There had to be a flight plan filed for the Cessna.” He hung up.

“Do people always do what you tell them to do?” I asked with a grin.

“Most people.”

“Good to know.”

I sensed the difference in lighting as Aléjandro pulled the car into the parking garage. Dante gave him instructions on how to access the private garage. Once Jano parked the car, I sat up. “I can walk, Dante.”

“I’m going to be right beside you.”

We rode the elevator all the way to the penthouse and were greeted by everyone. Even Contessa and Armando were present. I received hugs all around as we made our way into Cat’s living room.

“Mrs. Luciano,” Contessa said, “what can I get you?”

“My name is Camila. Water would be wonderful.”

She grinned. “Right away, Camila.”

I drained the first bottle and had drunk most of the second by the time the doctor arrived. This was a different one than I’d seen for my birth control. Dante assured me that Dr. Barone was the famiglia’s physician and wouldn’t ask as many questions as other doctors might.

Dante and I went with the doctor to Dario and Catalina’s bedroom suite. Instead of completely undressing, I removed my capris and shirt and covered myself with my sister’s robe I found in the bathroom.

Dr. Barone was nothing but respectful as he inspected my skin. There were more bruises than I realized littering my arms and legs. The only open wounds were on my wrists from the abrasive rope. Questions were asked about a possible sexual assault. I literally felt Dante’s intense gaze on me as I answered.

No. I’d recently had my first and many consecutive sexual encounters. I was certain beyond a doubt that I hadn’t been raped. Even saying the word sent shivers over my flesh.

Dr. Barone drew blood to test for whatever drug was used to render me unconscious. He prescribed antibiotics and muscle relaxers, warning me that once the adrenaline in my system wore away, my body would become sore. He also recommended an antibiotic cream for my wrists and ankles.  

After thanking the doctor, we joined the others in the living room. Dante asked if I wanted to go down to our place, but there was comfort in having my family all about. Dante remained omnipresent, until he received a text message.

“What does it say?”

He looked across the room at Aléjandro.

“You two are starting to freak me out. You have some kind of bromance going on?”

Dante shook his head and chuckled. “No, but we do have a common enemy, and later, we plan to bond over some carving.”

“Carving?” I asked.

“Wood?” Mia asked.

“Something like that,” my husband said. He looked at Jano. “Come with me to Dario’s office. We just received confirmation on the flight plan.”

“México?” Jano asked.

“Catalina Island.”