Page 56 of Home Again

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Gianna tried to keep calm, but she was shaking inside. After fifteen minutes of silence, she’d started talking again. She couldn’t help it, plus she hoped that he’d tell her where they were headed, and maybe Jada could get help. He hadn’t said a word; instead, she could just see his anger building, but she was desperate.

When he veered violently off onto the shoulder, she took her chance and grabbed at the door handle.

Her head slammed against the passenger side window. Pain like she’d never experienced before shot through her temple and Gianna slumped over. She heard rustling, but nothing made sense. All of her power was focused on trying to breathe…to stay conscious.

“You awake?”

She didn’t answer. She didn’t want to. All she wanted to do was leave. She lifted her hand to the handle and tried to pull at it so she could get out. She needed to get away.

“The door’s locked.”

“Awwwwww.” She cried out as another sharp pain hit her ribs.

“Look down.”

Gianna kept her eyes closed. She felt blood on her head and tasted it in her mouth.

“Look at my gun. Open your eyes and look at my gun.”

How can he sound so normal?

Gianna kept her eyes closed.

Searing pain shot through her head again when he pulled her hair. “No. Please.” Her words were slurred.

“How nice, begging. I like that from my bitches. But we don’t have time. Look down and see the gun I have pressed in your ribs.”

He shoved her head down and Gianna’s eyelashes fluttered open. She saw the gun that was twisting into her side. It hurt. His finger was on the trigger. She was going to die.

“I told you to shut up. You didn’t listen. Are you listening now?”

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

He viciously yanked at her hair and she screamed.

“Are you listening?”

“Yes,” she gasped.

“Good girl. Now I can drive in peace.”

He slammed her head against the window and started the car. Gianna tried to think of something besides the pain, but she couldn’t. When she opened her eyes to look out the windshield the sun shot a spear of light that was so bright it blinded her and she slid down in her seat, thankful when she succumbed to darkness.

* * *

“Where’s he going?” Jada demanded.

Sebastian ignored her scared voice as he picked up his phone and demanded Gideon’s keys to the truck.

“If I had to guess, he’s going to find his uncle,” Gideon said as he picked up his laptop and took it over to the desk. He fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them over to Sebastian.

“Why aren’t you going with him?”

“We need to get to work.”

“Gideon,” Sebastian said as he got to the door. “Text me every pertinent cell phone number. I only have the landline to the house and Grandpère’s cell.”