The Slave of Pleasure

Rachel

I sat on the edge of the bed, my phone shaking in my hand. The investigator's words echoed in my head. Vincenzo had turned himself in, Veronica was being investigated, and I... I was miles away, out of the chaos, but still feeling every impact as if I were there.

Nervousness washed over me like an electric current that wouldn't stop pulsing. My heart felt like it was in a race against time, beating so fast I could hear it in my ears. My hands shook even when I tried to hold them together, and the cold sweat on the back of my neck made me feel uncomfortable and restless.

Pacing seemed like the only way to deal with the avalanche of thoughts invading my mind. Vincenzo turning himself in, Veronica being investigated, the police calling me... It all felt out of control, like a nightmare I couldn't wake up from. My breathing was irregular, and I had to constantly remind myself to take deep breaths so I wouldn't start hyperventilating. My stomach was churning, a mix of anxiety and fear that I couldn't shake. My brain kept spinning, analyzing possibilities, creating scenarios, and they all ended in scary ways.

Every small decision felt like it weighed down the world. I knew I had to do something, but the fear of making the wrong decision was paralyzing. Vincenzo was there, risking everything, and I felt helpless, torn between the desire to help and the fear of the unknown.

Nancy was lying in bed, with a carefree smile on her face as she scrolled through her phone, probably on some shopping app or something. It was typical of her to maintain that air of lightness even when things were about to fall apart. I, on the other hand, was a complete mess.

"Aren't you going to stop pacing?" Nancy asked, without looking up.

"I can't stop, Nancy!" I snapped, frustrated. "How can you stay so calm?"

She finally looked up at me, arching an eyebrow.

"Because I already know how this is going to end." You're going back to Italy, getting into all this trouble, and you're going to end up in the arms of your beloved Vincenzo.

"It's not that simple!" I shouted, throwing my hands up. "You heard what the investigator said. He's risking everything, and I don't even know how to react to that." Nancy sighed, throwing her cell phone aside and sitting on the bed. "Look, Rachel, I understand that you're freaking out, but pacing around isn't going to solve anything. Sit down here and think about what you're going to do." Reluctantly, I sat down next to her, crossing my arms.

"I already know what I'm going to do." She glanced at me sideways, waiting for me to continue.

"I'm going to call the investigator back, ask for more information, and... go back to Italy."

"Of course you are," she said sarcastically. "Because it's logical to put your life in danger just to help a man."

"It's not just about him!" I answered, louder than I intended. - It's about everything. About Veronica, about what she did to me, to him... I can't just stand here pretending nothing is happening. Nancy was silent for a moment, which was rare. Finally, she sighed.

Okay, but if you're going to do this, at least do it right.

I picked up my cell phone and dialed the investigator's number, my hands still shaking. He answered after a few rings.

Miss Rachel?

Yes, it's me. I... I need more information about what's going on.

He explained everything again, in more detail. Vincenzo had given enough evidence to incriminate Veronica, but that put him in even greater danger. The Mafia wasn't known for forgiving betrayal. What about me? - I asked, my voice almost cracking.

Vincenzo made it clear that your safety was a priority. He asked you to stay away from Italy until everything was resolved.

"I'm going back to Italy," I said, my voice firm. There was silence on the other end of the line before he answered. "That would be extremely dangerous, Miss Rachel. I strongly advise you not to do that." "I can't just sit here and do nothing." I hung up before he could continue, my heart racing. I turned to Nancy, who was watching me with a look of concern and wonder mixed with hers. "So that's it? Are you really going back?" "Yes." She sighed, shaking her head. "Okay. But before you make that decision, I think you should tell your mother." My mother. Of course. I couldn't just disappear without saying anything. I got up and walked into the living room, where she was sitting on the couch, watching some cooking show. "Mom, I need to talk to you." She turned off the TV and looked at me curiously. "What's wrong, honey?" I sat down next to her, trying to find the right words. I... I need to go back to Italy.

His expression changed. nstantly.

"What? Why? I thought you were enjoying being here, away from all that mess."

I explained the situation, omitting the most dangerous details. She listened silently, but her expression grew increasingly worried.

"Rachel, this is dangerous. Are you sure?"

"I am."

She sighed deeply, shaking her head.

"If that's what you want, I won't stop you. But please be careful."

"I will."

I went back into the bedroom, where Nancy was lying on the bed, scrolling through her phone again.

"So?" she asked without looking up.

"She nodded."

"Wow. I thought she was going to freak out."

"Me too."

I sat up in bed, the weight of the decision finally hitting me. I was about to embark on something that could change my life forever, but there was no other option. Vincenzo needed me, and I wasn't going to abandon him. Nancy sat down, crossing her legs.

"So, what's the plan?"

"First, I need to figure out the best way to get back without drawing attention. Then... I don't know."

"Okay, but let me warn you. If you go, I'll go with you."

I looked at her, surprised.

"Nancy, you don't have to do this."

"I know. But do you think I'm going to leave you alone in the middle of all this mess?"

I smiled, for the first time in hours.

"Thanks, Nancy."

She shrugged, a mischievous smile on her face.

"What are friends, anyway?"

I spent the rest of the night thinking about everything, reviewing every detail of what I needed to do. Nancy, as always, fell asleep before me, but even with all the chaos in my mind, there was one thing I was sure of: I was ready to face whatever came. For Vincenzo, for both of us.