Chapter 51

Emiliana

The hot water pounded at my back as I hung my head low under the shower head. Dried blood dripped down my face marring the clear water and circling the drain below. The blood still stained my hands, and reminded me of what happened days ago. How close I came to death, how close Giovanni had been at death’s door.

Soap spilled through my hands, bubbling and foaming as I lathered my hands. I scrubbed the grime that had embedded in my skin, the hardened crimson dirt that lined my finger nails. I scrubbed and scraped at my fingers and hands, trying to rid the murky residue. No amount of water and soap seemed to be able to remove the scarlett muddiness.

Tears blended with the cascade over my head, sobs left my lips, trembling as I scoured my skin to the brink of breaking it. My hands were raw,