Promises and Pomegranates

Kal duct tapes Vinny to a chair in the outbuilding on his property, suspecting that he works for Rafael. Jonas texts Kal with Elena’s location, and Kal feels something like guilt for failing to explain anything about Aplana to her, especially when he realizes the dangerous place she is currently located. He finds Elena on a bench, unconscious and seemingly assaulted. Whoever attacked her roughed her up and cut over the “K” on her thigh. They left a card with the Ricci insignia on it. He wonders how far the Riccis will go to send a message.

Elena regains consciousness and can’t remember what happened in the bus station; she’s shocked to learn that Vinny roofied her. A quick examination demonstrates that she was not sexually assaulted before Kal leads her to the outbuilding. Inside, she watches as Kal brutally kills Vinny, undisturbed by the gore. Afterward, she realizes she is aroused by the violence. Kal helps her into the shower and tells her she “did good” fending off Vinny. She kisses him.

Kal doesn’t like kissing; it feels too vulnerable. He can tell how badly Elena wants him but asks if she’s sure. She says she is sure. He wants to see her “broken and bleeding” for him (152).