Page 9 of Promises in the Dark

I can’t risk anyone recognizing me.

The place is nearly empty, with just a few people waiting on nearby seats.

As I approach the counter, the woman behind it doesn’t even look up from her computer. “Where to?”

“New York,” I answer with no hesitation.

The woman glances at the wall clock, then returns her attention to the screen. “Next bus leaves in three minutes. If you hurry, you’ll make it.” Her fingers fly across the keyboard. “One hundred and fifty-three dollars.”

Reaching into my bag, I pull out the roll of cash I’d tucked away long ago. I count out the bills and push them toward her.

“Huh.” The woman takes them. “Can’t remember the last time someone paid in cash.” I slip the remaining cash back into my bag, mentally calculating how much I have left when she slides a ticket across the counter. “Bus number two. Better get moving.”

“Thank you.” I grab the ticket and hurry outside, spotting my bus. I run to it and step on, showing a slight smile to the driver, who takes my ticket. I make my way down the aisle and sink into an empty seat near the back. The worn leather creaks beneath me as I shift to remove my backpack and clutch it to my chest.

Everything I need to make it the next couple of days is right here in my hold: some cash, a few bottles of water, a small blanket, a copy of my passport, my Social Security card, my driver’s license, some wet wipes, a couple of protein bars, and a mini First-Aid kit.

The engine rumbles to life, the doors close, and the bus pulls away from the station. I watch with bated breath out the window as we make it onto the highway, the thirty-one-hour bus ride just beginning.

And that’s when I feel it.

My first real taste of freedom.

It’s overwhelming, exciting, and frightening all at once.

Tears spring to my eyes, my lips slightly curving up.

“I did it,” I breathe, curling into my seat. I unzip the side pocket of my backpack and reach inside, my fingers closing around a small card.

Gently, I pull it free, holding it before my eyes.

The gold lettering catches the passing lights outside the window. Alessandro Alarie. My thumb swipes over the embossed lettering, hoping and praying that he’s my ticket to everything I’ve always wanted.

Chapter two

Alex

“I’m taking the matter into my own hands. No more waiting.” My fingers curl around the leather steering wheel, gripping it hard as I press down on the accelerator. “Have the plane ready for takeoff. I’m leaving right after dinner.”

“But Vincenzo said—”

“I don’t give a fuck what my brother instructed you to do.”

I slow before the familiar gold-tipped iron gates that surround my family’s property—the Alarie Estate. It’s home to all of my immediate family members, spread across an expansive stretch of land in northern New York. The grounds are surrounded by stone walls, guards, and advanced security tech that even the White House isn’t privy to. The guards on duty dip their chins in greeting as I accelerate through the entrance and maneuver my way along the winding roads toward my house.

“I’ve waited long enough because of him, and I refuse to wait one more goddamn day. I’m taking her tonight. End of discussion. My brothers are not to know about this. Have I made myself clear?”

“Understood, sir.”

I end the call just as I pull down my driveway and find my right-hand man, Tommaso, standing beside his SUV. He’s been loyal to my family and me for over ten years, and I don’t take it for granted that I was lucky enough to find someone in this dark world whom I can trust with my life.

I step out of my car, smoothing a hand down my shirt. “Is she in my office?”

“Yes, sir.” He taps the side of his vehicle. “Just finished packing everything up.”

“Good.” I straighten my tie. “And does she know why I asked to meet with her?”

“Don’t think she does.” He smirks. “When I left her, she was reapplying her lipstick.”