He was crazy, evil even.
Chaos Salvatore created destruction everywhere he went, leaving chaos in his wake, sparing no one. Cold and emotionless, he was feared by all, known as the man who could never be tamed or softened. Love was never in his pla...
I woke up earlier than I wanted to. It was Saturday, but my body was still stuck on its weekday schedule. No matter what I did, I couldn't sleep in.
Rubbing my eyes, I stumbled into the kitchen, where Jessica was rushing around, getting ready for work. She always worked the weekend shifts at the local diner, which meant we didn't get much time to hang out on Saturdays.
"Hey, Jess, can I use your phone for a sec?" I asked, leaning against the counter, my voice still groggy. "I didn't call my mom last night. She's probably lost her mind by now."
Jessica glanced at me, her brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're ready for that conversation?"
I sighed. "Not really, but I have to do it before she calls the National Guard. She's... you know how she is." I gave her a tight smile, already dreading the conversation.
"Good luck," she said, handing me her phone. "I've gotta head out soon, so don't be on too long."
I nodded, my stomach churning as I dialed my mom's number. Each ring felt like a lifetime, and for a second, I prayed she wouldn't answer. But, of course, she did.
"Hello?" Her voice cut through the line, sharp as ever.
I took a deep breath. "Hey, Mom. It's me."
There was a pause, and I could already imagine the expression on her face. "Finally," she snapped. "Where the hell have you been, Anita? I've been calling you all night. You had me worried sick. Is this how you treat your mother after everything I've done for you?"
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling the familiar guilt start to rise. "Mom, I'm sorry, I... I lost my phone. That's why I didn't call back."
"You lost it? How irresponsible can you be, Anita? You know how important it is for me to be able to reach you! If you hadn't run off to Florida in the first place, this wouldn't even be happening."
"I know, I know," I muttered, trying to keep my voice calm. "It was a mistake, okay? But I'm fine. I'm safe."
"Safe? How am I supposed to believe that when you can't even keep track of a phone? Honestly, sometimes I wonder if you even care about what I go through worrying about you. I didn't raise you to be this careless."
My chest tightened, the pressure building. I needed to get off this call before she made me feel worse than I already did. "Mom, I've gotta go. Jessica has to leave for work, and I don't want to keep her waiting."
There was a scoff on the other end. "Fine. But you better find a way to replace that phone immediately. And I expect you to call me back as soon as you do."
"I will. Bye, Mom," I said quickly, hanging up before she could respond.
I handed the phone back to Jessica, who gave me a sympathetic smile. "That bad?"
I nodded. "She'll never change."
Jessica left for work shortly after, and I spent the next few hours trying to shake off the conversation. I curled up on the couch, flipping through channels until I landed on a chick flick. Something light and easy to take my mind off things.
But halfway through the movie, the news interrupted the program. I groaned, ready to switch the channel, but then something caught my attention. The anchor's voice was tense.
"Breaking news: police are searching for escaped convict, notorious mafia leader, Chaos Salvatore. He was last seen at a high-security prison, where he broke out late last night. Salvatore, known for his involvement in multiple high-profile crimes, was captured two years ago and sentenced to life in prison. Authorities warn the public to remain vigilant as the manhunt continues."
My heart stopped.
Chaos Salvatore? I had heard of him. Everyone had. Two years ago, his arrest had been all over the news. The crimes he committed were brutal. And now he was on the loose?
My mind flashed back to the crime scene from yesterday. The blood. The hooded man. Could they be connected?
I didn't wait to see the rest of the news broadcast. I switched off the TV before they could show his face, feeling a strange tightness in my chest. I needed to get out of here. I needed some air.
I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door. Without my phone, I couldn't use GPS, but I remembered the way to the strip. It was the part of Miami where nightlife came alive, and I figured a walk along the beach might clear my head.
It was supposed to be a 25-minute walk, but ten minutes in, I realized I was going in the wrong direction. I tried to retrace my steps, but nothing looked familiar.
Thirty minutes turned into forty-five, then an hour. I cursed under my breath, frustrated with myself for being so careless. No phone, no map, no sense of direction.
Running my hands through my hair, I let out an exasperated sigh. "Great, just great."
Suddenly, I slammed into something hard. I stumbled back, blinking in confusion.
Only it wasn't a wall.
It was a person.
'•.¸♡ ♡¸.•*'
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