Quietly, I open the bedroom door. I don’t need to call attention to us heading out of the room and outside.
Ashton doesn’t seem to have the same idea.
He isn’t the least bit quiet, and I don’t have the heart to tell him to keep quiet. I don’t want him to fear Aurielo or the men here.
“Mommy,” Ashton says. “Can we play catch like I did the other day?”
My heart aches at his question. “I don’t have a ball, but maybe we can find one in the garden.”
I doubt there’s one just lying around, but I will ask Aurielo later if he can order one and have it delivered to the house for Ashton.
We head down the stairs and through the foyer to the hallway.
“Off to the garden?” Aurielo asks, coming around the darkened corner.
My mouth is dry. I don’t want to be nervous, but I am while in his presence. I need to make him believe that I trust him. That’s no easy feat.
“Yes,” I say.
“Will you play catch with me?” Ashton asks him.
My heart aches at Ashton’s question. I don’t want him to bond with Aurielo. It will only make it harder for us to leave.
“Sure, buddy. But then I have to help make dinner for you and your mom.”
Aurielo leads us to the garden and opens the door, gesturing for us to step outside.
“I’ll be right back,” he says and shuts the door.
A minute later, he’s returned with a ball and pitcher’s glove.
They head out to the center of the courtyard. The ground is a lush soft grass, and I take a seat, watching the two of them interact.
“Hey, what happened to the swing?” I ask, remembering its appearance from the last time that I came out here and was surprised to find it in ruins.
“We got into a fight. The swing won,” Aurielo mutters.
Okay.
Maybe it’s better if I don’t know about his violent tendencies. I saw enough for a lifetime last night.
It’s why I need to take Ashton far away from here.
* * *
After dinner and putting Ashton to bed, I’m reluctant to find my way into our bedroom. I don’t know what Aurielo will expect from me.
Ivy told me to play nice, make him believe I trust him, but does that mean giving myself over to him again?
The sex a few nights ago was phenomenal, but after what I witnessed last night, my desire has disappeared.
I’m afraid of Aurielo. While he hasn’t hurt me yet, I can’t help but worry and wonder. If I don’t do what he asks, will he turn on me?
Could I find myself in prison?
I’m not safe. I’ll never be safe until I’m free.
I grab my pajamas and head into the bathroom to shower. I keep hearing my sister’s words over in my head that I need to make it convincing that I trust him.