Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
The cold blue of his eyes matches the color outside the cabin window, yet appreciation warms those frosty blues as he takes me in from top to bottom. “Sleep well?”
My wounded pride makes me immune to the unspoken compliment. I can’t help getting in a jab. “Why bother to ask when you already know the answer? What did you give me?”
A smile drifts onto his face, as if he finds my sarcasm amusing, but the strain doesn’t leave his features. “Just something to help you relax. You worked a long shift and needed your rest.”
I put the brush away. “How considerate. I suppose I need my strength for whatever lies ahead.”
He doesn’t acknowledge the not-so-subtle hint. Offering me his hand, he says, “Come. We’re about to land.”
Ignoring his proffered hand, I squeeze past him into the main cabin. The plane dips, making me lose my balance. When Alex grips my elbow to steady me, I yank my arm away and use the backs of the seats as support.
“Katerina,” he says behind me, his voice carrying a hint of a warning. “I don’t want you to fall and injure yourself.”
“I can walk, thank you very much,” I say without looking at him.
The guards sit up front, leaving empty a set of plush leather couches with a foldable table between them. I plop down next to the window, trying not to look at Alex as he folds away the tray table.
Reaching over me, he grabs the seatbelt and secures the clip.
“I could’ve done that,” I say, finally meeting his gaze.
“Yes.” He settles next to me, fastening his own seatbelt. “But I like to take care of you.”
I grip the armrests of my seat, digging my nails into the leather to prevent myself from doing something disgustingly violent, like slapping him. “Does said care involve kidnapping and drugging? Because that’s what this is.”
His smile stretches, the gesture patient even as displeasure sparks in his eyes. “In time, you’ll come to understand that I’m acting in your best interest.”
“My best interest?” I whisper-cry, keeping my voice down so the guards won’t hear. They know Alex is kidnapping me and they won’t lift a finger to help. They don’t need to witness my humiliating, helpless anger. “You’re doing this against my will. Explain to me how forcing me to leave my job and home is in my best interest. Forcing me to abandon my mom.” My voice cracks. “She’s sick. You know she has no one but me.”
“Your mother is in good hands.” He cups my hand where I’m clenching the armrest, his big palm warm and dry on my chilled skin. “I don’t expect you to fully understand my world. Nor do I want you to. It’s much too ugly for someone as pure and beautiful as you.” His eyes tighten, that spark of displeasure bleeding into something darker. “Just know that disobedience isn’t an option, not where your safety is concerned. You can throw your little rebellion if it makes you feel better, but it’s not going to change anything. Is that clear?”
I glare at him as painful emotions churn in my chest. He’s just told me in not so many words that I no longer have a say in my life, that he’s taking away my freedom and right to make decisions. How does he expect me to react? With gratitude? I’m angry and hurt. Most of all, I feel betrayed.
Tears prick at the backs of my eyes. Before he can see that weakness, I turn my face away.
Only he doesn’t allow me the reprieve of the limited privacy. Even though he doesn’t force me to look at him, the words he whispers over the shell of my ear won’t let me off the hook. “I asked you a question, Katerina.”
Taking a breath, I find a semblance of calm and force my voice not to quiver with the tears I’m desperately trying to hold back. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” he asks, brushing his lips over my temple.
I lean away from the touch. “You’ve made yourself crystal clear.”
This time, he lets me escape. Not that I have anywhere to run or hide. There’s no place to lick my wounds where the many eyes on the plane won’t see. All I can do is pull into myself.
Unseeingly, I look out the window. This is not the future I envisioned when I told him I was falling in love with him. I’ve read articles about women who were seduced and lured to foreign lands with love, pretty promises, and luxuries, only to find themselves prisoners of the very men who were supposed to save them. The ones lucky enough to escape got to tell their stories.
You’re such an idiot, Kate. You should’ve known.
Yes, I should’ve. I should’ve learned from those women’s press interviews and recognized the signs. I knew from the start that Alex might be dangerous, but I never thought this would be my fate, not for one minute.