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I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to unleash the fury within me. But as I stare into those defiant green eyes, I know that, for once, I’ve lost.
“Get in the car,” I order, my voice low and dangerous. My hand wraps around her upper arm, fingers digging into her flesh as I shove her toward the vehicle. I see her wince, but she remains silent, knowing better than to push me further. As she stumbles forward, I can’t shake the thought that this woman has just shown me a side of herself I never expected.
“Step back, and count yourself lucky,” I hiss at the guard. He swallows hard and nods, understanding the unspoken warning—there will be no third chances.
“Y-yes, sir,” he manages to stutter out. Though I can tell he’s shaken, I refuse to let my gaze falter. It’s important for him to know where he stands in this moment, toeing the line between life and death.
One more mistake, and not even Annalise will be able to save him.
With one last glare, I turn away from the guard and focus on Annalise. Already seated in the car, she avoids looking directly at me, her emerald eyes glistening with unshed tears. It’s evident she’s scared, but there’s a flicker of defiance still burning within her.
As I slide into the driver’s seat, the cold leather beneath me does little to quell the fire raging inside. My hands grip the steering wheel tightly, knuckles turning white with the effort to maintain control over my emotions.
“Damian…” Her voice quivers, like the plucked string of a violin. “I only wanted?—”
“No!” I snap, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. “I don’t want to hear a single word.”
Her mouth snaps shut, but I can feel her gaze on me, burning through my defenses.
For once, she obeys me, but it’s clear that won’t always be the case.
16
ANNALISE
The lock clicks into place as I slam the door shut, my heart pounding in my chest. The room is dimly lit by a single lamp, casting shadows along the walls that seem to close in on me. My mind races with thoughts about Damian’s unexpected presence at Mikayla’s grave. Why was he there? What connection could he possibly have had with my sister?
Maybe he was just trying to mess with me. But then, why would he bring flowers? And why was he so agitated when he saw me there?
I pace the room, frustration and curiosity gnawing at me like a hungry animal. I can’t shake the image of him standing there.
He knew Mikayla. He had to have. But how…? Mikayla was a good girl; she wouldn’t have gotten entangled in all of this.
“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath, running a hand through my wavy brown hair. I need answers, but I also need to be cautious. Damian Volkov is not a man to be trifled with, and I can’t afford to put myself or my daughters in harm’s way.
He was about to kill that guard because of me. This is not a game….there are lives at stake.
And I can’t let my daughters be next.
As I take a deep breath, the idea of a shower comes to mind, and I welcome the thought. A moment of solitude and clarity will do wonders for my frayed nerves.
As I step into the en suite bathroom, I shed my clothes, letting them fall to the floor in a pile. The cool air from the vents sends shivers down my spine, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. Turning the shower knobs, I adjust the temperature until the water cascades down in a warm, soothing stream.
I step under the spray, feeling the tension begin to melt away from my muscles. Closing my eyes, I let the water wash over me, drowning out the thoughts that threaten to overwhelm me.
The more I get to know the Volkov brothers, the more secrets are revealed…secrets that I’m not sure I can handle.
Yet at the same time, I desperately feel like I need the answers.
Just relax.
I lather some soap in my hands and run it all along my body, scrubbing myself hard before doing the same with my head as if doing so will somehow make me calm down.
It does and it doesn’t.
As the water continues to pour down, I take one last deep breath before turning off the shower and stepping out.
Wrapped in a plush towel, I feel somewhat refreshed and more composed than before. Still, the nagging questions about Damian and his connection to Mikayla remain.
