Page 72 of Jetmir

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

ANYA

Oh my gosh. It worked, I thought over and over again. I actually did it.

And somehow, I’d even managed to steal an orgasm out of the whole insane situation. A hysterical laugh bubbled in my throat but I instantly smothered it down.

There’d be time to celebrate and reflect later when I was off this island, far away from my husband. Right now, I was prey with the task of outrunning the most ruthless predator.

I adjusted my hold on Dozer while dragging a ragged breath into lungs that burned from exertion. I ran faster than I ever had before, my feet pounding against the uneven stone path. My pulse thundered in my ears so loudly it drowned out everything else.

For all I knew, the devil was right behind me, but I didn’t dare look back to find out.

The sun beat down mercilessly, the humidity clinging to me like a second skin. My yellow dress plastered itself against every curve, damp with sweat, while the fabric rubbed uncomfortably between my thighs.

I’d forgotten to put my panties back on. It wasn’t exactly my biggest problem right now, but every stride served as a reminder of what we’d done just minutes ago.

No, don’t think about that.

The goal was to get to the water and get the hell off the island.

I forced myself to keep moving. I sprinted to gain as much distance as possible. My shoes were silent against the ground, but not my heart. It drummed with ferocity, threatening to crack my ribs open.

Palm trees swayed overhead, their leaves rattling in the salty breeze, while cicadas buzzed so loudly it felt like the island itself was screaming.

My nerves felt stretched so tight they could snap at any second.

This place had not been built with escape in mind. My eyes darted between the trees and bushes, searching for movement. Every rustle in the brush made my stomach lurch. Every shadow looked like my husband stepping into my path.

I should’ve taken the narrow staircase carved into the side of the cliff. I’d be by the docks already. I was counting on him to assume I’d take the familiar path. God, I prayed that he would. So instead of taking the path he’d shown me during the tour, I ran through the forest of palm trees and other tropical plants.

Pushing forward, I let the panic carry me onto the wider path that sloped toward the docks, leaving me horribly exposed.

When the coastline finally came into view, shimmering beneath the glaring sun, a relieved breath pushed free from my lips.

I squinted against the sunlight reflecting off the sea, slowing just enough to scan the various boats bobbing unaware.

Far out on the horizon, faint smudges of land interrupted the endless blue.

They weren’t near, but I could only hope they were close enough to make it. I’d always been a strong swimmer.

If the current didn’t drag me out and there weren’t any sharks, of course.

A maniacal laugh caught in my throat, but I immediately smothered it. That was an awful lot of ifs to gamble my life on.

But still, with every passing second, my impossible escape started to feel just a little more possible. Every step I’d taken was one step closer to freedom. Or maybe desperation was simply convincing me I still had a chance.

Just as that thought flickered, a hand wrapped around my throat and a familiar rough, deep voice whispered, “Big mistake, wife. Now, I’ll tie your wrists with rosaries and make you atone for leaving me. Again.”

My spine jerked and I stopped breathing for a second.

No, it cannot be. How did he get to me so fast? He should still be handcuffed in that beautiful library, cursing up a storm. Not here, with his hand around my neck and his hot breath in my ear.

“Why are you running?” he rasped.

“What did you think, psycho?” I snapped. “That I would sit around and do nothing after you kidnapped me?”

“Oh, you did plenty,” he growled. “Matter of fact, I think we’ll finish what you started in the library.”