74. Caelia
I feel terrible about this,but Kaz didn’t want to listen. He misplaced his trust in his family once more, and I refuse to see him die because of this. They have already taken enough from him. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I wipe the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand. I put my phone on silent, waiting for the car to move before reluctantly doing the last thing I wanted to do, but I had no choice. The air inside the trunk is stuffy, and I fear they will hear me breathing. Kaz didn’t want to tell me where he was going. Why would he make it easier for me? Something is off, but I have no evidence to back it up. So, I’ve decided that following him is the best way to find out what’s going on. Every bump on the road sends aches into my body. Holding my breath, I dial Vanya’s number, praying he will answer.
I’m not among his favorite people.
“Caelia?”
“Vanya,” I whisper. “Before you ask anything stupid, listen to me. Kaz is on his way to meet with Sevastyan and Grigoriy. I have a terrible feeling about this.”
“Where the hell is he going? He didn’t mention anything to me.”
I know. Kaz said he doesn’t want Vanya involved in this. He must have had his reasons, but his safety is more important to me. I trust his cousin despite our relationship. I’ll deal with Kaz’s rage after and do it with a smile if my defiance keeps him safe.
“Can you track my phone’s location? I have no idea where we are.”
“Yeah,” he says, sounding irritated.
“Do it. It might be nothing. But in case it isn’t.”
“I’ll gather some men. I’m on my way. Don’t lose the fucking phone.”
I would laugh if I weren’t so stressed and terrified. I clutch the phone tightly to my chest. I try not to dwell on all the things that could go wrong. It feels like the longest journey of my life. And the most uncomfortable. After almost two hours, the car finally comes to a stop, and I hear Kaz and his two men exit and walk away. I wait a few minutes, being cautious, before carefully opening the trunk and staying out of sight. I look around, but it’s too dark, and I can barely make out anything. I hear voices coming from a nearby building. I decide to stay put and call Vanya again.
He picks up on the first ring. “I’m five minutes away.”
”Vanya, I”m outside some building.”
”Be careful, Caelia. Stay where you are, and don’t get closer. You hear me?”
I wait for over five minutes, but he doesn’t show up. Anxiety intensifies the longer I wait. I give it a few more minutes before venturing out of the trunk and into the darkness. I cautiously approach the side of the building and peek through a window, my heart racing with anticipation and my clothes soaked. Frowning, I strain my ears to listen as I crouch down, attempting to remain hidden. I can make out a group of men inside the dimly lit living room. Time slows down. My stomach drops, and my heart sinks as the man who must be Kaz’s uncle takes a gun out. Kaz stands a few feet away, and I hope he can’t see me. He won’t be pleased with this. Initially, I think he has spotted me, but he doesn’t aim the gun at me. It’s directed at Grigoriy, who sits on the couch with his back to me. I’m confident that Kaz will be next. Without a second thought, I retrieve the gun I’ve concealed in my waistband, pull the slide, stand up, and prepare to shoot. However, I’m a second too late. Another shot was fired, and it wasn’t me. I’m not sure who mine hit. I quickly hide back, hearing the commotion erupt inside.
The men yell, and the shots ring through the air. My heart hammers wildly in my chest, and every nerve ending in my body tingles.
Finally, the commotion inside settles down, and I hear footsteps approaching. I take a deep breath and calmly aim the gun, preparing to face whoever is coming my way.
I know I should run and hide, but I can’t abandon Kaz. These are dangerous armed men, but my feet are frozen. When it comes to saving my life or his, mine will always come second. I should have called Vanya sooner. He should have been here by now, and the last thing I want to think about is that I put his life in danger by asking for his help. Despite his feelings, I’m not sure if Kaz will ever forgive me if something happens to his cousin because of me. I have no choice but to try to find a way inside the house.