Page 14 of Relentless Sinner

I push off the blankets and place my feet on the floor, getting another surprise when I find my duffel bag next to me.

“Oh my God, it’s here.” I kneel to open it and I’m so happy when I find my phone, my laptop, and the clothes I packed inside.

I change into a blue long-sleeved top and a pair of yoga pants, then I search for my diary and find the printout of the email Natasha sent me a week after she left.

Only I know where she is. I haven’t even shared the information with Clara. Natasha knew I wouldn’t tell anyone. That’s why she confided in me.

The email has a secret message hidden within it letting me know she’s in Marseille, in France.

Mom took us there when I was ten while Dad was away on business for a few months.

Natasha wrote:

I’m not sere when I’ll see you again but pray for me like we did that summer with Mom.

Theserewas made to look like a typo and the reference to praying like we did with Mom were clues she knew only I would get. We always used to drop clues like this for each other as kids.

She was referring to Michel Serre, a seventeenth century artist who has a couple of paintings in the Église Saint-Cannat, a church in Marseille.

When we were in Marseille Mom took us there every day. We lit candles, prayed, and she always talked about the paintings.

This is all I have of Natasha for now. I’m praying that she’ll be safe in Marseille and if she has to leave, she’ll find a way to let me know.

Until then my lips are sealed because I know the consequences. Father will have Alessandro killed and the baby, too.

I put the letter away and stare at the door. It’s closed.

God, what will happen to me today?

And why did Jaxon give me back my things?

Last night it seemed like I’d be stuck in here forever, only leaving this room to take my vows.

I can’t believe this is happening and there’s nothing I can do. And what about Dad?

I don’t want to see him but at the same time, I do. Maybe for closure. Or information.

Really, Gabriella?Information from my father? Dad has never told me anything. Not even on a need-to-know basis. Why do I think this time will be any different?

Maybe the person to get information from is Jaxon.

After last night it’s clearer than ever that I can’t simply run away. That doesn’t mean I’ve abandoned the idea.

Right now I have to determine what I’m up against. Then what I need is a solid plan. Something better than the sketchy ones I’ve previously come up with. Something that will actually work and get me away from the monsters in my life.

I pack my stuff away and push the bag under the bed. Then I stand and walk to the door. I stare at it for a little while before I chance turning the handle. I gasp when it opens.

“What the hell?” This is strange. I can leave the room?

Maybe Jaxon left it open by accident.

No.He wouldn’t do that again after last night.

This was deliberately left unlocked. But why?

I open the door and check the landing. There’s no one around. I expected to find an army of guards outside the door.

Stepping out, I continue checking my surroundings, looking for Jaxon or his men. There’s no one up here. Only me and the beautiful satin-covered walls around me.