Chapter 44

“Breathe,

Bambina

.” Jake’s mouth comes to my cheek in a soft peck from behind; his hands are on my shoulders as I stand, smoothing down my dress in the mirror. It’s late; we’ve been up here for a couple of hours. I slept a lot, and we lay together, talking about everything and nothing while watching daytime TV. Idle chit-chat and jokes, Jake tried his hardest to make this feel normal. Neither of us wants to acknowledge that she will be under the same roof soon enough. Neither of us wanted to talk about anything to do with her. I would be happy with never talking about what he did ever again.

I am so ravenous for food, but I know she’s down there somewhere; I’m about to look at her for the first time since he touched her. I gulp softly and quell the nerves running through my stomach, causing a swirling ache of nausea.

“I’m okay.” I try to reassure him, even though I’m far from it. I smile back at him from our reflection.

I’m looking better, less pale,