Damn him.
I don’t care if Enzo knows my strengths and weaknesses. He knows mine already, and I already know his. I just need some space after what happened to get my head on straight.
I run downstairs and out onto the sand. The sun is already beating down with plenty of moisture in the air despite a cloudless sky. It’s going to be a hot one.
I stretch for a moment, staring at the sea that feels like my enemy.
You will not hurt me.
I take a deep breath, filling my lungs with oxygen, and then I run.
I run as fast as I can for as long as I can on the sand.
I know Enzo’s property is vast, much larger than I can imagine. But I intend to run further than the edge of his property line. I know he has dozens of men watching his property. He has cameras and more security than I could imagine.
Enzo can do his best to keep me here, but it doesn’t mean I have to stay.
I run, my lungs burning, my legs aching the entire time.
Fuck, I’m weak. Weaker than I’ve ever been. I’ve never been much of a runner or exerciser, but working all the time and running from my father’s debt collectors kept me fit.
I see Enzo’s property line come into view as men patrol the edge with fencing almost all the way to the edge of the beach.
That’s my goal.
But five minutes later I lay passed out on the sand, my chest heaving to catch my breath.
Fuck, I’m out of shape.
Hopefully, my father didn’t plan anything that involved endurance, because I won’t win that fight.
I look at my puny arms. It better not involve strength either.
Fuck, I’m screwed.
It doesn’t matter—this all just a formality. Hopefully the tests aren’t too dangerous, and I can survive until Enzo wins. Then I can convince him to let me go free.
“What are you doing?” I hear Langston’s voice.
“Getting a suntan.”
He smiles over me.
I squint as I look up at him, the sun blinding me.
“Decide to go for a run?”
“Yes, although it was more of a crawl. I have no stamina anymore.”
He smirks. “That’s not what it sounded like last night.”
My cheeks redden, and I gasp. “You heard us?”
“I think the entire city heard you.”
I laugh. “Sorry.”
“Don’t worry; I’ve already scrubbed out my ears.”