Chapter 19. Taken

Rae:

I can’t look away.

He moves like he owns the earth he steps on.

A sharp word from him — and the others scatter, efficient, silent.

Loading the cars. Finishing whatever mess is left.

He doesn’t even glance our way.

Not once.

It twists something inside my chest.

Something bitter.

Ugly.

I don’t even know why.

Eliza elbows me lightly.

"You thinking what I'm thinking?"

I drag my eyes from him, blinking.

"What?"

"We need to move," she says.

"If they find the car... it’ll be obvious we’ve been watching."

I nod stiffly.

But my body doesn’t move.

Rooted.

I’m still watching him.

Like he’s a thread tied around my lungs.

Tugging.

Choking.

Dragging me closer even when I know I should run.

Eliza curses under her breath.

"Goddamn it, Rae," she snaps.

"If you’re gonna keep staring at your mob boyfrie