VINCENZO

I pulled up in front of the store. A side glance towards Rina revealed her staring out to the window. A strange feeling sat within me. I was oddly pleased knowing she'd shaken off her nervousness and had relaxed. That should explain why her eyes were on the window and not her laps.

But then, I couldn't be sure. She hadn't focused on any other object throughout the drive. But then again…

Ugh. Too many but's.

Somehow, I liked this silent, submissive aspect of her. And I wished she'd be this way whenever I made the move. Her tears and pleas had begun to tear me apart. I was...