I had no other option but to stay calm and just see how things play out. A few days passed and all I wanted was to talk to my mother. Although, something in me felt like Luciano was trying to play me but I just made myself believe I had to play along.
At least he had made me leave the house, He got me clothes so I won't have to stay in panties all day and have him watch my ass!
"Are you ready?" Luciano's voice asked and I gave a small nod.
I reached for the pocket of my jacket and slid my hands in gently before grabbing my bag from the seat.
The car door opened and I stepped out of the car. I looked around and a small smile crept on my lips.
It felt good to see the city buzzing and not be locked in some forsaken room with that asshole.
"Come here," Luciano said and stretched out his hands toward me.
I gave my hands to him and swallowed the lump in my throat.
He gave a nod, held my hands, and looked at the entrance.
We walked toward the building and I felt some type of happiness swell in me.
There's no way this happiness is because he was holding my hands. Of course not. I just feel this way because I am outside and I can finally feel a sense of freedom.
'Should I run?' I had no idea. I s want to speak to my mother.
We continued walking till the siren sound from the corner made me stop.
The cops were parked just a few miles away and I could see their faces from where I stood.
I suddenly felt the urge to run. To seek their help and escape from Luciano and his insane plans.
This was my chance. To hit him and run away.
"Tiffany."
I flinched at his voice calling me and turned to look at him.
He raised his brows like he could read what was going through my mind.
"Don't even dare," he added.
I frowned. How the hell did he know what I was thinking of? There's absolutely no way this could be happening.
"I'm uh- I'm just."
"I know, let's go inside."
"Luciano wait."
He paused and gave a small snort. "Do as I say and I'll take you to talk to your mom."
Pfffff! I will do this for my mother.
It sent a sudden shiver down my spine and I gave a nod in acceptance. I really wanted to know how my mom was doing.
If she was alive, dead, good, or whatever the hell.
"Good day, Mr. Luciano and-"
"Tiffany," I responded despite my attention being diverted.
We were now in the office of the chancellor and I had no idea what she had been saying until now.
"Tiffany," she called. "I hope you have an idea of the subjects you'll be offering?'
"Yes, I suppose. I uh- I'm an English major."
"Excellent," she cheered and adjusted the glasses on her face.
I turned to get a quick glance at Luciano but he was looking at the screen of his phone.
He was so lost and I didn't want to involve him. This is my business and not his anyway.
"Complete payments?"
"Yes," I responded with a quick nod.
She stretched her hand to me and it took a second for it to register. "Oh shit, the receipt of payment."
I shuffled my bag till I found the complete receipts. "Here you go."
She verified and ticked our names on the file on her table.
"We'll have a room assigned to you in the hostel."
My heart skipped for joy. If I could get in the hostel, I would tell people around to help me and call my mother soon but...
"There'll be no need for that," Luciano said and slipped his phone back into his pocket.
This ass-hole!
The chancellor turned to look at him waiting for an additional explanation.
"I mean- we already have an apartment and my sister here doesn't have to stay in the hostel."
"Are you sure about this?" She asked looking at me.
I kind of liked the fact that they still wanted to hear from me but I had no say.
"Yeah yeah," I mumbled. "We uh have this apartment down the street and that's okay."
"Sure you'll not be having issues making it to school?"
"Definitely not," he said. "It's just a few miles away. Wouldn't even be up to five minutes."
"Okay then," she said and handed the file to Luciano. "Welcome to our college."
He smiled briefly and looked at me. We walked out of her office and headed to the hallway where we'd sit and wait for some admission list or shit.
We waited and a brunette walked up to us a few minutes later.
"Hi there. You must be Tiffany and Luciano."
"That's right," Luciano confirmed.
"Okay. So uh-" She handed him the file and I just stood there.
"It had everything you'll need and the course registration starts in a week. You have enough time to make a choice and get settled in."
I smiled. Something made me feel like I looked kidnapped. Well, what do I have to say?
I was sweating, I only wanted to talk to 'My mommy' and be fine.
"Oh, thanks." I heard Luciano say dryly.
"It's for the both of you," she added and looked at me.
Do I really have a say? Well, I shrugged.
"Sure." Was the only thing that came out of my mouth.
"So I'll leave you now and I hope you have a great time here in college."
I nodded. I just want my mom!
She smiled and walked away. She was so polite and friendly but I still had no idea how great this would be especially with Luciano around.
"You're frowning," Luciano said and I grinced harder.
"I could keep you as a doll, you know?"
"Fuck you," I blurted and walked to the car.
I slid into the back seat and he joined me.
"Dolls are pretty tough," he said and I ignored him. "Well, they're dumb too."
"God, please stop talking. Fucking hell, I'm tired."
He went mute for some seconds and then I felt his hands on my shoulder pulling me closer for a hug.
I had no idea how to react but a part of me wanted this hug so I succumbed and let him hold me.
"I'll punish you later," he said. "Here."
I opened my eyes and he was handing my phone to me.
FINALLY!
I quickly grabbed it and dialed Mom's number.
"Tiff?"
The moment I heard her voice, my heart bled.
"Mom?? Mom talk to me, I know you're not okay. Please talk to me."
"I'm fine baby and I love you so much."
"No," I rebutted. "You're lying. You're acting and I know it."
I don't want her to try to protect me. I only want her to be safe!
"I promise you I'm fine. I know I don't say this always but I love you, Tiffany. Daddy loves you as well" She added.
"Mom-"
The call ended and I felt a lump in my throat. I cried out in pain and relief and Luciano just remained there.
At least I know my parents are alive. But I am mad at him.