Page 24 of Unholy Tsar

“I got my period, you oaf,” I snap, irritated. Almost immediately, he loses his bluster, and his cheeks redden. Ahh, that’s more like it. “In a couple of minutes, I’m going to bleed out as my uterus sheds its lining, and my stomach is going to turn inside out with the most intense cramps as my vagina squeezes out blood and—”

“Enough!” His entire face is red at this point, and he isn’t looking at me anymore. I suppress a mischievous grin. Of course. No matter how dangerous they are, men will always be squeamish when it comes to talking about a woman’s menstrual cycle. “What do you need?”

“There’s a particular painkiller I have to take. I’ve forgotten its name, but I can recognize it. I also need pads. No, scratch that, a menstrual cup. No, tampons will be better. Or should I get the cup? It always gathers the most blood without staining my underwear. Hmm.” I tap my chin indecisively.

“Fine, you can come with me.” Roy spins around, and I do a little victory dance before I follow him. I text Bree as we leave the townhouse to send me the Hamptons house address. She replies with a wide-eyed emoji, a dancing emoji, and the address. I chuckle and lock the phone.

I glance at Roy. He’s tapping his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, and his cheeks are still red.

“You don’t have sisters, do you?” I ask. Men with sisters are usually desensitized to these things. He shoots me a stony glare. “Alright. No talking then.”

I glance out the window, taking in the outside world for the first time in a week. I sigh when I realize there’s a high chance Maksim will send me straight back to my prison when I get to the Hamptons mansion, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

If I want this to work out, I need to show him I’m trustworthy, even if I’m not—at least, not entirely. But I need to learn how to handle a gun. Maybe then, I can finally have some independence again…

Suddenly, Roy takes a sharp turn, and then we’re pulling in front of a drugstore. “Wait here,” he commands. Turning off the car, he makes a big show of taking the keys out of the ignition and stuffing it into his pocket.

“What? I thought I’d be coming in with you?” I ask because I know he’ll expect me to protest, but in reality, this development is perfect.

“So you can run away?” He snorts. “Mr. Smolov will have my head. No, you’ll stay here while I go inside to get what you need. I’ll come out and show you. If it isn’t what you want, I’ll go back inside for another and another until you’re satisfied. Got it?”

I nod meekly, and he gets out of the car, then locks it. This man. Does he think I can’t unlock it if I want to? I give him a little wave with my fingers, and he narrows his eyes on me one final time before leaving.

As soon as he walks into the drugstore, I move to the driver's seat, check around, then reach under the dashboard and mess with the wires. The car comes to life with a low purr.

“Yes, baby.” Just as I pull out of the parking lot, I see Roy rushing out of the store, waving his hands frantically.

I remember what he said about Maksim having his head and feel terrible. I roll down the window as I drive off and shout, “I’ll make sure Maksim doesn’t hurt—kill you,” I amend. He will definitely punish him for letting me escape, but I’ll try to minimize his punishment as much as I can.

When my warden is out of view, I slow the car down and quickly type in the address Bree sent into the GPS.

I’m not sure what I thought would happen when I arrived in the Hamptons, but it’s not the double take from one of Bree’s security. They raise their guns up at me like I’m some danger to them, and I roll my eyes as I breeze into the house.

I know it’s just an empty threat. No matter what Maksim told them, they wouldn’t just shoot someone they know without a direct order from Bree’s dad.

The butler bows as I walk in, and I wave at him cheerfully. “I hope I’m not late for the lessons?”

“Miss Kilpatrick just arrived a couple of minutes ago, so I believe you’re right on time.”

“Perfect. Thanks, Alberto.” I wave at him again as I climb up the stairs, and I catch him muttering, that’s not my name, as I pass by. I can’t help but crack a small grin.

I’m so in character that when I arrive at the library, I swing the door open as dramatically as possible. Unfortunately, only Bree is inside the room. Damn it, all that drama and Maksim didn’t even witness it?

My friend shoots up from her chair, her face beaming with happiness, “Cece! You made it.”

I mirror her joy, and I’m a little surprised when she comes over to hug me tightly. “I’m so sorry. Turns out my uncle found out your real name because I mentioned it that one time. That’s why he’s so suspicious of you now. He forbade me from contacting you.”

I stiffen, then relax into the hug. “It’s alright,” I murmur, hugging her back. Fuck, when was the last time anyone genuinely hugged me? I cherish the warmth of the embrace for a few seconds before pulling away.

“Are you okay? Where have you been staying? You wouldn’t tell me on the phone, and I was only reassured because at least you seemed fine.”

I open my mouth to answer—probably with a lie or something—when a tingle runs down my spine. I don’t need to turn around to know Maksim has arrived. Finally.

“You,” he growls.

I turn around with a sigh, “Maksim. It’s good to see you, too.”

“Uncle Maksim, I asked her to come. Please, you have to allow her to join us and–”