Chapter 44

FRANKIE

I remain frozen in my spot, unable to move. My mind refuses to process what just happened. Did they really just take Rafael away? And why? My mouth hangs open as questions flood my brain. Could this be Thomas's doing? Melina once told me he was arrested because of her. Maybe he got the idea to do the same to Rafael, revenge for how he made me dress and act last time. Oh God

- that'll only make everything worse for me.

"Frankie," a voice cuts through my spiral. I blink to find Eleanor standing before me; concern etched across her face.

"I'm so sorry about what just happened. I..." I start but can't finish the lie. My brain's too shocked to conjure up an explanation for why Rafael was just hauled away by police.

"Don't apologize, sweetheart. We can reschedule lunch. Rafael asked us to make sure you get home safely. Jason's bringing the car around. Let's go."

"Oh, That