章 37: Buried Secrets

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."