Page 34 of Captive

When he opened the door, my eyes opened wide. “What is this place?”

“This is your private bedroom, Sacha. Within these walls, you can always feel safe. But once you venture outside, you must promise me that you’ll always be careful.”

“Of course, Papa.”

He led me inside then took a step away. “And remember, family is most important, blood the only thing that matters. Do you understand, my son?”

I turned to face him, giving him a dutiful nod. “Yes, Papa.”

“Excellent, my little warrior.”

Darkness.

It was something I knew well, both from the reality of actual night to the soul-stealing shadows that had haunted me almost every day since I’d walked away from everything I’d come to love. The man who’d called himself my father had been correct. I’d found safety behind the walls of his massive estate, always remembering what he’d told me. The blackness had also been my friend, keeping me protected during some of the toughest, most dangerous times. Being able to navigate without light meant I’d survived.

Tonight was no different.

However, dawn would quickly approach.

I’d experienced more memories since noticing I was being watched, the times spent with Maxim Federov alone some of my favorites. However, my good fortune hadn’t been without treachery. Maybe I’d allowed myself to forget the various ordeals I’d gone through, the brutal violence and bloodshed that had turned me into a killer. And maybe it was time to remember everything.

That was the only way I’d survive.

If the Petrov Bratva was behind this, they obviously had several soldiers in the country, enough they were staking out several roads. The chances we’d be able to make it to safety were slim, but I had to risk it. However, I had far too many doubts about my brother’s involvements to fully convince myself this was an attempt by another crime family to eliminate their enemies.

Only time would tell.

I’d remained by the window, keeping an eye out for a sign of the soldiers, the weapon in my hand. At least I hadn’t seen any obvious signs. I was furious that I hadn’t thought through the plan well enough. I’d be forced to take an indirect route to Vermont. An almost four-hour trip would now take us almost seven. Hissing, I twisted my hand around the weapon. The location was almost too close for comfort, but at least we’d literally be steps away from the Canadian border. If necessary, I’d use the single contact in Quebec I knew I could trust. That had been enough of an impetus to accept Travis’ offer.

However, I’d need to remain cautious as fuck.

When I heard Chloe murmuring in her sleep, I sighed. What the hell was I doing fucking her? Disciplining was one thing, but I’d allowed her to crawl under my skin enough she could become aweakness. That could be the single reason we’d be compromised. Her scent lingered on my skin, her light perfume clinging to my nostrils. Even my cock twitched now at the thought of fucking her all over again.

No. Control. I had to maintain control.

The first peeks of dawn slipped over the horizon, strings of red crisscrossing the sky. That meant a storm was approaching.

When she stirred again, I moved away from the window, closing the drapes, and turning on the light in the bathroom. By the time I returned to the room, she was sitting up, staring at me intently.

“We’re going to need to go. Do what you need then we leave in five minutes.” I could hear the harshness in my voice, but until we made it to the cabin, there would be no rest.

She didn’t say a word, merely slipped out of bed, heading for the bathroom then stopping short. “Did you sleep?”

“Not yet. I’ll sleep after we dump the car, get a new one, and find our destination.”

“If they’re so smart, won’t they have a way of looking for your credit cards?” She tipped her head, searching my eyes.

“That’s why I have cash.”

“Of course you do.” She walked into the bathroom, slamming the door, pitching me back into darkness.

I moved to the dresser, turning on the light and placing the bags on the bed. My only hope was that there would be a small town in between in order to purchase another vehicle. If not, the odds would slip.

Chloe returned only a couple of minutes later, managing to fashion her hair in a sloppy bun. With the ringlets framing her face, she appeared like an angel, her skin glowing in the ugly bathroom lighting.

“I’m going to tell you this once, Chloe. We have to work together now. Do you understand what I’m saying to you?”

“Yes. I understand. Can we get something to eat or drink along the way?” Her tone was soft, now laced with fear instead of defiance.