TWENTY NINE

FIORELLA

He smiled so charmingly.

"Let's go home. I would not rush you. You have every reason to hate me, I would not force myself on you either. Come." He took my hand and led me out into the open space.

Home he had said yet I did not protest. Was home now redefined for me?

Honestly I was in a dilemma, I wanted to pull him back and crush my lips on his and at the same time I wanted to heave a sigh of relief that I could breathe fresh air, air that was not filled with his smell. By him, I mean that old fool, Alfredo.

I followed him like a lamb to slaughter follows the shepherd obediently. I did not protest or complain.

When we got out the rush of the wind on my bare skin made me shiver, I immediately rubbed my free hand on my other arm and he stopped.

He took off his leather jacket and draped it over me. He did it so carefully I wondered what changed him so much, he even placed a kiss on my hair afterwards.

I looked around and noticed the troops he had as company, little wonder