Marie
I can’t breathe. Can’t think.
My heart hammers, my hands shaking, my stomach twisted into a knot so tight I feel like I’m gonna be sick.
I don’t know where I’m going. I just know I have to go. Now.
Before he finds me. Before it’s too late.
I throw myself into the back seat of the cab I called after I snuck out of Viktor’s estate.
The driver turns, his eyes scanning my face, probably seeing the way I’m wild-eyed, and shaking. But I don’t care.
“To the airport. Fast.”
His brows pull together.
“You got luggage?”
I shake my head frantically.
“Just drive.”
The second the car moves forward, I sag against the seat, pressing my hand to my racing heart.
I feel like at any second, Viktor’s men will surround the cab, drag me out, and take me back. To him. Back to the monster who’s been watching me. Obsessing over me.
And the worst part? The part that makes my skin crawl, my stomach twist in confusion? I don’t know if I’m more terrified of him catching me… Or of never seeing him, never being with him again.
The cab weaves through traffic, but it’s too slow.
Every red light, every stop sign, every second wasted—I fear he’s getting closer.
I keep glancing over my shoulder, waiting for some black SUV to appear in the mirror. Waiting for him to hunt me down. Because I know he will.
The airport comes into view, and I let out a shaky breath.
If I can just get on a flight, just get out of the city—
I can disappear.
I can start over.
I can be free.
I pull my wallet out, gripping my ID so tight my fingers go numb.
I can do this.
I have to.
Before it’s too late.
Before—
I feel the first prickle of awareness.
A cold shudder crawling up my spine.
The sensation of being watched.
My breath hitches.
No.
No, no, no.
I whip my head toward the terminal entrance—
And my stomach drops.
Because he’s here.
Viktor.
Standing right outside the airport doors.
Hands tucked into his pockets.
Waiting.
For me.