Painted Sins

ned earlier-the gallery, the threats, the gunshots-kept replaying in my mind.

is deep voice sending a shiver down my

l kitchenette, and two doors, probably leading to a bedroom and bathroo

g a hand through his dark hair. "Try to get some

I reached out and caugh

ought I saw a glimpse of the man I once loved, but it qu

he said softly. "

k onto the couch, my legs finally giving out. The adrenaline that had been

realized I needed to understand more about my situation, about t

isp sheets and a small dresser. The bathroom was clean but bas

muffled voices outside the door. I pressed

uff voice said. "She cou

n," Lorenzo replied, a

he ope

The gallery is still our best option for moving t

had built for myself, my hope for a new life. W

e other voice continued. "We

he's under my protection now.

raced. Was Lorenzo involved in my gallery's troubles?

ying to act casual as Lorenzo re-entered the room. H

y?" he asked, h

e. "Fine. Just

tchenette. "You should eat som

controlled, nothing like the passionate, sometimes reckless man I had f

I asked, unable to hold

, he didn't move, and I wondered if he even

is voice low and intense, "I made a vow

to believe him, to trust in the safety he offered. Bu

ching his face closely. "Is th

t?-crossed his face before he regaine

I heard you outside. You're using my business for your 'operation

g, his movements slow and deliberat

r to him. "Because right now, it looks like you

anger. "You don't know anything about the ma

up emotions bursting out. "Tell me why I shouldn't

ot hurting me, but holding me in place. "Because the people after you won't

very aware of how close we were, o

n," he finished, his

hick with unspoken words and buried feelings. Then, as qui

calm and distant again. "We leave a

nt door. "I'll be right outside if you need

to the couch, my mind spinning. Lorenzo's words, his touch, the pain in his e

o sleep. Dawn felt like it was ages away, and with it, the prom

loved with my life, or would

closed my eyes and tried to calm my racing thoughts. Whatever tomorr