Page 17 of Bound By A Promise
The swinging door opened as Dante stepped in. His dark eyes searched our faces before settling back on Dario. “Oh, this is the ‘you are forbidden to go anywhere’ speech, isn’t it?” Before Dario or anyone could respond, Dante went on, his lips curling into a grin, “Who was asking about how long?”
“That was me,” I said bravely, taking in the definition in his muscular arms.
His brown-eyed gaze came to me, warming my circulation. “I’m sure you can find something to keep you busy while we make sure that Kansas City is safe.”
“It’s not a problem,” Mama replied, reaching for my hand. “Is it, Camila?”
“I’d rather go to Emerald Club, but I suppose hanging out here is almost as exciting.”
Dante’s smile twitched, before he turned to Dario, asking to speak to him alone.
After lunch, I slipped away, going upstairs to the same room where I’d stayed on my last visit. On the big bed, I found my suitcase. While it was only early afternoon in Kansas City, Mama and I had been awake since the alarms rang over eight hours ago. I opened my suitcase and found a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before stripping out of my travel clothes.
The warm water of the shower sprayed over my skin as the emotions of the long day bubbled out of me. Tears I’d held back since Papá’s hug streamed down my cheeks as sobs came from my chest. It was the first time since the attack that I truly allowed myself to recognize the trauma. The scents of shampoo, conditioner, and bodywash filled the humidity with sweetness. With my stomach full and my body washed, I chose to climb under the covers in the large bed.
Sleep came quickly, whisking me into dreamland.
At the raging of the alarms, I woke to the sound of screaming. It took me a moment to realize that I was the one yelling. Clamping my lips together, I quickly sat up, scooted against the headboard, and with trembling hands, pulled the blankets up to my shoulders. Peering around the bedroom, I saw everything, from my suitcase and clothes strewn about to the solid furniture. I hadn’t closed the blinds. The sky beyond the window was light blue with fluffy white clouds.
There was absolutely no reason for me to have screamed.
No alarms.
No intruders.
No need for a safe room.
Did Catalina have a safe room? Did I want to know that answer?
Closing my eyes, I thought back to the invasion. I couldn’t remember screaming or even crying while it was happening. If I didn’t scream then, why was I doing it now?
I checked my phone and learned it was after five in the afternoon.
In the bathroom, I splashed my face with cool water and stared into my green eyes. My hair in my reflection was a mess. My choice was to wet my hair down again or braid the wavy tangles into submission. I chose the braid. As I looked through my clothes for something appropriate to wear to dinner, I remembered Dante’s dinnertime visits when I was last here.
There wasn’t any rhyme or reason to the clothes I packed. Maybe my sister wouldn’t mind if I borrowed a sundress. I’d also add a little makeup and a dab of perfume. Dante may not notice me, but if he did, I wanted him to see I wasn’t a little girl.
I stopped walking outside Catalina’s suite at the sound of voices within.
She used to tell me that I was the master eavesdropper. I wasn’t really. It was more opportunistic. Quietly, I leaned closer to the door.
Chapter
Six
Camila
Closing my eyes, I concentrated on Cat and Dario’s conversation.
“How long do you plan to keep us under lock and key?”
“This isn’t a prison sentence. Things have been…” His voice trailed off.
“I understand. It’s that while Mama won’t complain; Camila?—”
My skin bristled at the mention of my name.
“I don’t know how long,” Dario interrupted. “My number one concern is that you’re safe—they’re safe. You and your family are the center of this alliance.”