The restaurant was crowded, but it felt like I was the only one in the room, each heartbeat hammering out the fear and frustration I'd been holding inside.
I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the heavy stare of Bruno's bodyguard, who was parked outside, waiting for any sign of rebellion from me.
I couldn't think about that now, though. This was my moment to escape the walls that Bruno had built around me.
Inside, I spotted Marcy waving from a corner booth, her warm smile offering me a bit of comfort.
For a second, I forgot about Bruno's threats, Sofia's sneers, and the grim reality that I might never make it out of this mess.
Marcy was my best friend. She'd understand, wouldn't she?
"Maria!" Marcy screamed, pulling me into a tight hug. "It's so good to see you, but you look—well, like you've been through hell."
I forced a laugh.
"Something like that."
