KINLEY My eyes opened slowly, as if my eyelids were heavy and scratchy.I wasn't in the beach house, nor Gianni's mansion.I sat up slowly, my hand going to my head, it ached and as I touched it, I remembered my fall.Getting to my feet I walked from the small room into a small living room with an open plan kitchen to the side.My so called saviour sat at the kitchen island with his back turned to me."Dom?"He jumped to his feet, turning to face me, "Kinley, you're up. Fuck I was so worried about you."As he came towards me stepped away from him, "Hang on. How did you know where Gianni was keeping me?""I have my ways, Kin. Did you really think I was going to allow him to take you like that? You know I always have your back.""Yeah," I glanced at the counter where he had sat, there were papers strewn all over it, "Where are we?" my heart hammered in my chest, my mind continuously reminding me of the trafficking he was involved in."I'm getting you far away from here so he can't come
My leg ached, each step sending sharp shooting pain through my leg as I hurried away from the airport, keeping to the small back roads.Fear rushed through my body as I shot glances over my shoulder.I couldn't let Dom find me."Fuck! I need Gianni." There was something I never thought I would have heard coming from my lips.Yes, the man had kidnapped me and still terrified me to the core, but I knew he was capable of keeping me safe.And he could keep me away from Dom.My ankle ached, protesting each step I took, but I gritted my teeth and pushed forward, knowing that this pain was nothing compared to what would happen if Dom got his hands on me.I contemplated stopping someone and asking for help, but where would I go?I couldn't go to Gianni because I had no idea where he was, I didn't even know what part of town he was in.I could maybe ask to be taken to the police station, but could I trust them?I had a nagging feeling that the answer was no.Leaning against a wall, I gasped in
The man holding onto my arm was holding tight enough to hurt my arm, but I didn't care.I felt utterly hopeless as they dragged me behind an ambulance and shoved me into the back seat of a waiting car.I sprawled over the seat."Jesus! Kinley?!"My head shot up at the sound of Gianni's voice."Oh my God! Thank God it's you!" Without thinking I sprung into his arms."What the fuck happened to you?!""Dom! He took me!" I sobbed into his shoulder.His arms tightened around me, "He took you? I thought you ran away!""No! I went out to the pool and he was just standing there. I slipped and hit my head. I woke up with Dom and he took me to the airport! I ran away from him."To my surprise, Gianni stroked my hair, planting a soft kiss on the top of my head, "You look terrible, we need to get you checked out,' he began shouting in Italian and the car started, speeding from the hospital."I was so scared! I didn't know how to find you!"I felt him tense briefly, "It's okay, you're safe now. You
"Kinley!"I woke with a start, wincing at the pain rushing through my body from the sudden movement.And then the cold from the water hit me.I had obviously drifted off to sleep after washing myself.I was still submerged in the water, and Gianni was standing frowning at me."I must have fallen asleep after bathing," I frowned, "Could you turn around, please?"He scoffed, "And how exactly do you think you're going to get out of the bath without help?""I'll figure it out."He rolled his eyes and came over to the bath, completely ignoring my protests as he lifted me out and set me on my feet.Grabbing a towel, he handed it to me.I wrapped it around myself.Gianni sighed, "Kinley, you need to relax."I glared at him."Fine," he turned his back and I dried myself off before wrapping the towel around me again."I, uh, need to go back to my room. I didn't bring any clothes with."He helped me from the bathroom, but left me standing against the wall.I watched with curiosity as he went ove
TW: Self harm mentioned in this chapter, nothing in depth though. KINLEY "Where exactly are we going?" I asked, taking a seat on Gianni's jet.He took a seat opposite me, unbuttoning his black blazer."My home. We are going to Italy."My eyes widened, "Holy shit, Italy?! You really had to wait until I had a busted ankle to take me there?"He laughed, "I'll make sure to take you back when you're not injured."I shook my head and rolled my eyes at him."I'm serious, Kinley," he sat forward, "One year from now, if you are still with me, I will take you to Italy and you will experience it in a whole different way.""Still with you? You plan on holding me captive for that long?""No. But I am hoping you will still be here willingly."I looked away, his gaze too intense for me.Talon sat towards the back with a few of Gianni's guards, and I wondered if they had a falling out.If they did, I knew it was probably somehow my fault.Gianni had food and wine brought put to us, it was quite inte
KINLEY Looking over at Talon, I pouted, "I'm bored, how long is he going to be in there?"Talon shrugged, "No idea. We could go do something?"I chewed at my lip, Gianni had specifically told me not to move.We were in the foyer of some fancy company while Gianni was in a meeting with the CEO."I don't know, Gianni said I shouldn't leave."Talon smiled sarcastically, "And that worries you? You'll be with me, so it's not like you've run off somewhere alone. I'll even leave a message with the secretary so he doesn't worry. Come on."I glanced over at the closed door.I knew I should stay here.Sighing, I stood, "Okay, let's go."He jumped to his feet with a smile, "Give me one second," he went over to the secretary, speaking for a few moments before returning, "Let's go remedy that boredom of yours."He held out an arm and I hooked mine with his, heading to the elevator with him helping me walk.Once we left the building, I noticed that one of Gianni's guards had followed us."Why is he
KINLEY I stared at myself in the mirror after getting ready for dinner.I worse a sparkly sequinned dress that ended mid thigh, my hair I had left down and I had put on subtle make up.I hated that the cast messed up the look."Kinley?!"I rolled my eyes and left the bathroom when I heard Talon calling for me."Where's Gianni?" I asked, my eyes scanning the room."He got a business call. He asked that you meet him at the restaurant, so I'm here to get you there.""A business call at this time of night? I'm taking it that it's more along the lines of his illegal business than the legit ones, right?"Talon smirked, "Ask no questions and I will tell no lies. Come on."Once we were in the car I turned to face him, "I'm really curios, Talon. What business call would come in at eight? Is this something dangerous?""Kinley, there is no need to concern yourself with these things.""Of course there is! Have you not noticed that I am practically glued to Gianni's hip lately? If it's something d
KINLEY Gianni pulled me against his body, his grip on my hair tightening.My body betrayed my brain as I melted into his embrace.I moaned into him, my arms reaching around his neck.Suddenly the ringing of his phone distracted us.As he went to retrieve it from his jacket pocket, I was able to come to my senses.I reminded myself that this man had kidnapped me and held me captive, this was so far from healthy.His brow furrowed as he answered the call, "What do you want, Talon?"I made my way into the bedroom, leaving him to deal with his call alone.In the bathroom I splashed some water on my face, staring at myself in the mirror. What was going on with me?Was I developing Stockholm Syndrome?I ran a hand through my hair before going back into the bedroom and laying down on the bed.I was just beginning to doze off when Gianni walked in."Kin?""What?""Talon needs me to go to the club, business only I can take care of. Do you want to go with me?"I sat up, "I feel like I should pu