Chapter 37

THIRTY-SEVEN

Laura

M assimo stood in front of me, his gun held to forehead. My heart beat erratically as I tried to look around for a way out.

‘You were supposed to die, Laura. Instead you're shacking up with a freak. You're disgusting.'

‘But he loves me…' I protested.

Sweat dripped down my face. Why was it so hot?

The flames. I hadn't noticed the flames.

‘Massimo, we need to get out of here,' I coughed.

The gun clicked, followed by his hollow laugh as I squealed.

‘Don't worry, we'll find which chamber has the bullet soon. This time I won't miss.'

Couldn't he feel the heat? My eyes stung. I needed to get out.

‘Laura?' Phoenix's voice was soft, somewhere deep in the burning edges of the room.

‘Help me!' I cried out. Massimo turned and let off a handful of shots into the flame.

‘No! Stop it.' I lunged for his gun, but I was too slow. I watched as a bullet tore from the barrel, heading straight for my face. There was nothing I could do, I was frozen to the spot awaiting the pain.

Hands wrestled my shoulders.

‘Laura… Wake up.' Phoenix's voice was more insistent this time. Closer.

Sheets tangled around me as I roused, the dream dissipating. Phoenix came into hazy focus, my eyes groggy.

‘Phoenix?' I mumbled.

Pulling me up to sitting, he helped to untangle me from the sheet. I cooled down almost instantly, a fresh breeze coming through the open door and wrapping around me.

‘You were dreaming,' he said, concern furrowing his brow. ‘The same nightmare again?'

I nodded, reaching for the glass of water by the bed and taking a long drink.

It had been two weeks since we'd seen the TV appeal through the shop window, and instead of my worry decreasing over time, it had been compounding. By day I could mostly push it to the back of my mind, but by nightfall Massimo stalked me through my dreams, turning each into a familiar nightmare.

‘I don't think we can stop for food,' I said, my heart pounding at the thought.

‘We have too. Even with the stock of shakes I have here, we're running low. Most of my stash was in the cottage. We need to stock up.'

As if mocking me, my stomach let out a deep grumble.

Phoenix leaned forward and grazed his healing mouth over mine. ‘We'll be quick, in and out. You can stay on the boat, I can go alone. Your picture is far more recognisable than the blurry one of me.'

Panic seized me, and I pulled his fingers into my hand. ‘No. You can't leave me.'

‘It's safest on the boat.'

‘It's safest with you,' I said, my voice cracking at the idea of being left alone near the port.

Phoenix tugged a hand through his hair before scooping me up and pulling me against his chest. ‘Then we'll stay together. We can get you a hat and shades, something to disguise you a little. I've ordered the food for pick up, we just need to get to shore and make a quick trip to grab it.'

‘Okay,' I breathed, apprehension still making me feel sick.

‘I'll make you a cup of tea and a piece of toast before we pull into the dock. Rake through my drawers there and see if you can wear something that'll disguise you a bit.' Phoenix injected calm into his voice, deliberately slowing it. But beneath the calm, it rang out the same worry I felt.

Every movement I made was drenched in foreboding, shadowed by some sort of black dog waiting to pull me back to Massimo. The ever lingering fear of my dreams dogging me by day now, too.

Splashing water on my face at the sink, I tried to shake the feeling of impending doom, but no matter what it remained. In the circles beneath my eyes. In the prickling sensation at the back of my neck. In the dullness of my eyes.

I threw up a silent prayer to God, or the universe, or anyone who was listening. Let us get the food and get back to the boat safely. Please?