Absolute Silence

24

I appreciated Giada looking out for me but also noted the stark reminder of how different I was from everyone else in the family. I was the lone deer separated from the herd. An easy target. “Thanks for the heads-up. I’m not sure it changes anything, but at least I’m aware.” What did she think I was going to do? Hide in my apartment indefinitely? As she so kindly pointed out, it wasn’t like I had someone else I could rely upon to help me unless Dad assigned a bodyguard. “Are you brushing me off?” “No, I just don’t know what you expect me to do. I still have to go to work and live my life.” “You could text me or someone else so we know if you go out alone at night. Take extra precautions.” Hey G, I’m headed out to the s*x club. Text back when I’m done getting f****d. I huffed a wry chuckle. “Yeah, that’s not going to happen.” Giada scowled. “Val was right. You are moody lately.” “Is that what you guys talk about in your little secret gatherings?” My voice drained of all levity. “Secret gatherings? What the hell are you talking about?” “The other night after dinner, you and Val huddled in the study whispering. You guys don’t have to include me in your little secrets, but you might at least make an attempt not to rub it in my face.” “We weren’t hiding from you,” she shot back, hands waving in the air. “We were hiding from Mom and Dad.” “Oh, yeah? Then why wasn’t I in on your little meeting?” “You want to know what we were talking about? Fine, but you cannot breathe a word of it.” I didn’t know why it mattered so much to me, but hell yes, I wanted to know. “G, you have no idea just how good I am at keeping secrets. If there is anyone in this room who has a propensity to squeal, it’s you.” I glared at her. “That’s … probably right,” she conceded, unable to deny the truth. “Okay, so a while back, I figured out that Val had befriended the daughter of the cartel boss. She’s trying to help the girl and knows that if Dad found out, he’d forbid any interaction between them. I told her I’d keep my mouth shut as long as they only saw each other at school. I was just checking in to make sure she was being safe. That’s it. That was the big secret.” My stomach clenched. “Are you sure she’s okay? I don’t want her getting hurt.” It had been all too recently that we’d gone through the horrific experience of Giada being taken to Mexico. I didn’t want Val wrapped up with those people. It was easier to worry about my little sister’s safety than my own. “I think it’s okay. Javi knows about it and is keeping an eye on things. I worry about her, but I also worry about you. That’s why I’m here. I don’t mean to be the safety police, but I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you when I could have prevented it.” Where had this protective side been years earlier? She’d been too wrapped up in her friends to see anything outside her immediate bubble. I squashed down the resentment and tried to focus on being appreciative. No matter our past, I was still glad to have her looking out for me now. I scooted across the couch and hugged my sister. “Thanks, G.” “Always and forever. You know I love you.” I pulled back before I caught too many feels. “Yeah, and I’m sorry if I’ve been on edge. My boss is a d**k and has been making my life miserable. A few more months and I’m out of there.” “Need me to key his car?” she asked with one-hundred-percent sincerity. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Thanks, G, but not this time.” “You know my number should you change your mind. I better get going. Please be safe out there!” “I’ll do my best,” I told her honestly. Giada smiled warmly. “That’s all I’m asking.” With a quick wave, she took off just as suddenly as she’d arrived. I received a text from Filip later that afternoon asking me to meet him at the club that night. I was surprised he wanted to go again so soon after the explosive ending to our night not twenty-four hours earlier, but I wasn’t going to question it. He wanted to see me. To be with me. A chorus of exultant butterflies swarmed my stomach. I took extra care getting ready, making sure to leave my hair down and cover my bruising with concealer so that the reminder didn’t ruin our evening. Just as he had the night before, Filip met me at the entry to the club. There was an edge to him, as always, but it was less pronounced this time. He had already removed his jacket and had the sleeves of his pale silver dress shirt rolled to his elbows. His shoulders were relaxed, and he moved with the predatory grace of a man who had all the time in the world. “You look mouth-watering, as usual,” he murmured as he clasped my hand in his. “Come with me.” Stepping into the elevator, we stood with our backs to the far wall, our gazes locked on the closing doors. I half expected him to release me, but instead, his thumb rubbed gentle circles across the back of my hand. I basked in the affectionate touch and reveled in our nearness. I’d been cautiously hopeful about our evening, but under the nurturing glow of his attention, unrestrained excitement blossomed in my chest. When the doors opened, we were met with an unusual silence on the second floor. As we neared the main room, I could hear a man’s voice rumble like distant thunder. I was surprised to discover the room was full of people. They watched the stage raptly, some engaging in silent acts, but most were too engrossed in the scene being played out before them. A shirtless man, clad only in jeans, stalked around a naked woman who stood with her hands tied behind her back. Just behind him was a sturdy wood table lined with instruments and restraints. They appeared to be playing out some kind of k********g fetish scene. That type of e*****a wasn’t something I’d put a great deal of thought into, but seeing it in person, I was instantly engrossed. “Do you want to stay and watch?” Filip asked softly. I nodded, unable to take my eyes from the couple. All of the seating areas were full, so he led me behind one of the sofas where we could stand and observe. The well-muscled man stalked around the woman, who exhibited the appropriate amount of fear without diminishing from the fantasy. The scene wouldn’t have been enjoyable had it been overly realistic. This wasn’t about realism or any kind of statement on consent. It was about embracing the darker side of our fantasies in a safe manner. Acknowledging that people had a variety of appetites, and that didn’t make us bad or wrong.