*ADELINE*
I can't breathe. I can't breathe! The panic thunders through my veins as I lie in the back seat of Vincenzo's car, crammed against the leather upholstery, my heart thrumming like a drumline gone rogue.
"Just hold on, Adeline!" Vincenzo's voice laces through the haze of panic. His strong arms wrap around me, the warmth of his body grounding me for just a brief moment amidst the chaos choking me. But the comfort is fleeting, a mirage fading faster than my sense of safety.
It all happened so fast. One minute, I was indulging in dessert, a shimmering plate of tiramisu that looked too pretty to ruin. I remember the layers of coffee-soaked sponge, the creamy mascarpone, all floating atop a delicate dusting of cocoa, a masterpiece. I had barely taken a bite when the unmistakable cr
