“We need food.” I called as I searched through the empty cupboards on my tiptoes. There was nothing in them, bar from a few crusty packets of noodles and a take out menu. I knew Giovanni was still attempting to conceal his pain from me and maybe that’s why we hadn’t left the apartment in two days but it was almost ridiculous that Giovanni had described this as a safe place when there were no provisions supplied for our stay.  I padded through to the bedroom, catching a glimpse of Giovanni zipping up a black duffel bag. My interest piqued, mostly because Giovanni was looking more shifty and less inconspicuous. “What’s that for?” My eyes investigated the outside of the suspicious looking bag before my hand reached for the zipper. Giovanni rested his hand on top, shaking his head. “Principessa,” he warned me with a raised brow. 

Emiliana   “Are you hurt, Chiquita?” Vinnie crouched down in front of me, his eyes studying me carefully.  I didn’t bother to conceal my emotions as the tears fell from my eyes. It was both shock and relief that washed over me like a waterfall, releasing into my tears. I shook my head and in one swift motion Vinnie had me in his arms, carrying me to the car on the other side of the road and placing me in it. Smoke billowed from the hood of the SUV now abandoned in the ditch, the smell of burning rubber permeated my senses and drowned out any other sensation. I fixated on that one smell, the deep charred stench that prevented me from drifting off into my thoughts.  Vinnie’s large form paced over to where Giovanni was slumped against a tree, his

Emiliana   I could have stayed like that for hours. Even if my eyes closed as I relaxed in Giovanni’s arms, there was nowhere else I wanted to be.  I felt my body being lifted from the ground, but my eyes were too heavy to open. The gentle sway of my body lulled me further into my slumber and it wasn’t until I felt my body pressed into soft sheets that I eventually stirred. Giovanni slid in beside me, wrapping me in his arms and never letting go. His breath skated over my neck, soft puffs that caught in my hair. My cheek pressed against his warm bare chest and moved with each inhale and exhale.  “I’m getting you home, Emiliana.” Giovanni’s gentle whispers lapped at my ears like a soothing melody, his hands combing through my hair like it was a