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“Be safe,” she whispers fiercely. “Text me the second you’re back in Jersey.”

“I will. Thank your mom for me… and tell her I’m really sorry.”

Mabel waves it off. “She went to the farmers market. I’ll handle her. Don’t worry.”

I nod, tears stinging my eyes. “I love you.”

“Love you more. Now go.”

I take Anya’s hand, grab her bag, and hurry back to the waiting cab.

The taxi weaves through traffic as I try to explain to a very confused Anya why we’re leaving so suddenly.

“Mummy has to get back to work, baby. I’m really sorry. We’ll have our own little party when we get home, okay?”

Anya pouts but eventually nods, resting her head against my arm. “Okay.”

My heart squeezes. I kiss the top of her head and hold her closer, guilt and fear twisting together in my chest.

We reach the airport and I practically run inside with Anya in my arms. I buy two tickets for the next available flight to New Jersey. Luckily, it’s leaving in less than an hour.

We check in as fast as possible, go through security, and board the plane.

The moment we’re in our seats, I finally let out a long, shaky sigh of relief. We made it. We’re actually getting away.

I lean my head back and close my eyes for a second, trying to calm my nerves.

“Going somewhere plamya?”

On hearing that deep familiar voice, my eyes snap open.

Andrei is standing in the aisle right beside our row, towering over us in a dark coat, his eyes locked directly on me. His expression is unreadable, but there’s a dangerous edge beneath the calm surface.

I feel the blood drain from my face.

How?

How did he find us so fast?

Chapter Ten

Andrei

In my world, people know better than to disobey me. And those who do it anyway get punished in ways they never forget.

And yet Rosie disobeyed me.

Standing in the middle of the aisle of the plane that was supposed to have taken off five minutes ago, I try my best not to lose my cool.

The flight attendants are shooting me nervous glances, the pilot has already been informed there will be a short delay, and the other passengers are pretending not to stare.

All because of me.

Staring straight at Rosie, who is sitting there with wide, panicked eyes and her small hand gripping her purse like a lifeline.

I wonder what the hell I'm going to do with her. I want to shake her until her teeth rattle.

Maybe then some sense would finally get into that stubborn head of hers.