Zadie’s POV
I woke to the soft sound of breathing, not mine. Lazaro was still curled around me, his arm wrapped protectively around my waist, as if sleep had made him forget who I was and what I’d done.
The room was quiet, heavy with the kind of silence that makes you feel too aware of your own heartbeat. I didn’t know what time it was. The only thing I knew was that something had shifted between us. I felt it in the way his hold on me wasn’t possessive, but grounding. Gentle.
He stirred behind me. “You’re awake,” he said, voice hoarse with sleep.
“Yes.” He didn’t move. Neither did I.
“I thought you’d try to run,” he murmured.
“I want to.”
His grip tightened slightly. “No. You’re not leaving.”
“I need to go,” I need to talk to the Chief, secretly.
“No fucking way. You’ll be caged here. Into my arms,” He said nothing, but I could feel the tension in him like he was holding something back.
Later that morning, he did something I didn’t expect, instead of bringing me back to my room and chaining me like I am his goddamn prisoner. Fuck this hell.
“Come and join us to eat.”
I blinked at him. “Why now?”
“I’m tired of keeping you locked up like an animal,” he said. “And you haven’t touched your food in days.” I followed, not because I trusted him, but because some strange part of me didn’t want to fight him today. He didn’t force me. He didn’t drag me by the wrist or order guards to flank me. He just… walked beside me.
We passed Kendall in the hallway. Her eyes narrowed at the sight of me, walking freely, no chains, no restraints.
“You should lock her up-”
“I don’t want to.” I looked away, but Lazaro didn’t. He didn’t acknowledge her glare or her presence.
He sat me down at a small table near the window. I picked at the bread and cheese, not hungry but trying to look normal. He didn’t say much, and just watched me. Too quietly. I need to give in for a while. I need to convince Lazaro to let me go, to know what is real.
“I will tell you Zadie, you can’t escape okay? Don’t even try. I have so many guards around. This place is too far from the city.”
I just nodded. “Until when you’re gonna lock me up?” He stayed silent.
Then, Luca spoke. “What are you gonna do about Rosales? That scamming psycho.”
“Hmm? Threatened him.” I didn’t know if it was intentional but they are now talking about a business. I’m sure it's illegal.
“Still didn’t pay the amount we wanted.”
Lazaro tsked. “Extend the deadline.”
“But why? Let’s just kill him.”
“I don’t kill. It's inhumane.” Lazaro stared as if he knew I was listening. My heart thump faster. What is happening? Is he really not behind those killings? I need to know it.
Maybe I need to please Lazaro more. I’ll convince him to know the truth. After eating, I went to the bathroom. I couldn't escape so I didn’t try anymore. I don’t want to be fucked by that psycho mafia again.
But then just before I reached the hall, I heard a voice. Soft and feminine, Kendall. I stopped. I edged closer, heart pounding, hiding behind the column that framed the entrance. She stood in front of him now, her hand on his chest.
“You’re weak around her,” she hissed. “You think I haven’t seen it?”
“I told you to stay out of it,” Lazaro said, his tone clipped.
“She’s playing you,” she said, rolling her eyes.
Kendall leaned up suddenly, and then I saw it. She kissed him. My heart stopped. He didn’t kiss her back. He didn’t even move. And after a second that felt like a year, he pushed her away, not violently, but firm.
“Don’t ever do that again,” he said coldly. But I was already walking away. I didn’t stay long enough to see the look on his face, or hear what he said next. I didn’t want to know.