Chapter 30
ANASTASIA
I wake to a familiar scent, a mix of bright citrus, and warm spice.
There’s a faint bite of tobacco that clings to him.
I’m wrapped in the soft warmth of sheets that aren’t mine.
For a moment, I panic. I’m disoriented and unsure of where I am, but then I feel his arm draped over my waist and the memory settles in.
Eryx.
Last night. The pool. The way he looked at me like I was his whole world and not some broken girl with a past. How he felt inside me as we both finally fully let go.
He’s still sleeping, breath steady, lips slightly parted.
He looks peaceful like this. Softer. I let myself watch him for a second, then quietly slip out of bed, careful not to wake him.
My phone buzzes on the floor near my bag, the screen lighting up with a notification.
I grab it, expecting something from Ro, who went home for break telling me about some amazing thing that happened.
But it’s not that.
It’s a text.
From an unknown number.
Unknown
You're getting too comfortable, stray girl
Remember who you belong to
The pool looked nice last night… Shame if something… happened next time
*image*
My breath catches. It’s a picture of us in the pool. From the angle you see the side of us. Eryx in front of me, with his hand wrapped around my throat. My top pulled down and my cheeks flushed.
Fuck.
The panic is starting to set in.
Another text comes in. This time from Sergio.
El Diablo
So this is what you’re doing with your new found freedom?
?Eres una puta para él?
?Qué parte de “Mantente alejada de Ivanov” no entiendes?
Keep testing me, Anastasia. Our little deal can be called off. I can have you back there by tonight.
My fingers go numb, and I almost drop the phone.
I scan the message again, heart hammering now. They were watching me. Someone was there. They saw everything. They saw me with Eryx.
The floor tilts. My stomach churns. They took pictures of us. Sent them to my father. Whoever this is, it’s the same person reporting back to him.
I spin around to look at Eryx, still sleeping soundly in his bed, completely unaware that our peace—our moment—was being watched. Violated.
I feel exposed.
The soft buzz of my phone again.
Unknown:
He can’t protect you forever
You’re marked
You always have been
My blood runs cold.
I back away from the bed, clutching the phone to my chest. My eyes sting with tears I don’t let fall. Not yet. I can’t afford to break down. Not now. Not in front of him.
I walk quietly around his room in search for some sweats so I can get out of here. I need to think. I need to breathe. I need to decide if I’m going to lie to Eryx’s face or tell him the truth and risk the only person who’s ever made me feel safe becoming a target.