Mara pov
"What is there to explain, Mara?" He let out a short, dry laugh. "You missed him and used the money I gave you, the freedom I allowed you to go and see him. You even gave him the food I cooked. I have to say, I'm impressed. You have a lot of nerve."
"Why are you laughing?" I snapped, my voice rising. I was trembling so hard the photos rattled in my hand. "I lied to you! I went behind your back to see the man I love! Why aren't you screaming at me? Why aren't you locking me back in your basement?"
"Because that would be boring," Lorenzo said, leaning forward. The light from the table lamp caught the gold in his eyes. "And because I told you I like it when you're selfish. You wanted to see him, so you took the risk. That shows growth. It shows you're starting to understand how the world works. You take what you want, and you lie to keep it."
"He's a good person," I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. "He has nothing to do with this. Don't hurt him."
"I never said I'd hurt him," Lorenzo said, shrugging. "In fact, he seems like a very nice, simple boy. A bit weak, maybe. A bit bland. But I can see why a girl like you would find him safe. He's easy to understand. I'm not."
"You're a monster," I said, the words feeling like lead.
"And yet, here you are. Eating dinner with me in a private plane," he countered. He stood up and held out a hand. "The music is starting. Dance with me, Mara."
An old Italian song was playing softly over the speakers something slow and full of violins. I didn't want to get up. I wanted to run out of the plane and into the dark field. But I knew I couldn't. I took his hand, my fingers feeling tiny in his grip.
He led me to the small open area near the front. He pulled me close, his right arm wrapping around my waist. I could feel the heat of his breath on my face. He was so close I could smell the scent of his red wine he had drunk, with fish, mixed with his expensive cologne.
We moved slowly to the music. I kept my head down, staring at his tie.
"Look at me," he commanded softly.
I looked up. His face was inches from mine and for a second, I forgot about the photos. I forgot about David, I just saw the way his eyes softened for a split second as he looked at me. It felt like we were the only two people left in the world.
"You're a very good liar, Mara," he whispered. "But your body doesn't lie. Your heart is racing."
"Because I'm scared of you," I said.
"Are you?" He spun me slowly, his hand firm on my back. "Or are you scared of how much you like this?"
I opened my mouth to tell him he was crazy, but a sudden, sharp pain flared in my abdomen. It felt like a hot blade had been shoved into my stomach and twisted. I gasped, my knees buckling.
"Mara?" Lorenzo's voice lost all its playfulness. His grip tightened, catching me before I hit the floor.
"It hurts," I choked out, clutching my stomach. The pain was so intense I couldn't see straight. "Lorenzo... something is wrong."
I looked up at him, and the last thing I saw before the world went black was the look of pure, cold terror on his face.