Page 105 (1/2)

I hesitate

“Now, Kate,” Lena says in a stern voice, pro me to action

I act on autopilot, taking the boots and peering around the open door There’s a co in every direction The front door stands open Mikhail is in the entrance, pulling on his coat while barking so in Russian to one of his men Alex has his phone pressed to his ear, presu the security at Mikhail’s house, orthe hospital of Dania’s arrival

Quietly, I slip around the frae next to the bathrooainst the wall behind the door, taking a deep breath as footsteps fall hard in the hallway Scraping together all the courage I possess, I put on the boots My hands tremble so much when I tie the laces that the effort is messy at best

Igor’s voice boo in Russian Lena replies Ducking my head, I hide my face behind the visor of the cap and scoot around the fra thumps in my chest as I walk briskly down the hallway

Caught up in the havoc, no one looks up as I fall in line with twoDania in his arms Alex ends his phone call and hurries toward them Mikhail follows

I use the opportunity to slip through the front door Alex’s uns inside After what’s happened, Alex will make sure our security hasn’t been breached I walk toward the cars in the driveway,to burst from my chest with every step I take It’s too late to turn back By taking action, I’ with Dania Alex may even think I concocted this plan, but there’s no time to ponder the possible consequences There’s only one way forward, and it’s getting out of here I’ll figure out the rest when I’m on American soil

The back door of the second car is open The ives an allance overstraight ahead Thehappens, I slide down the seat and lie down flat There’s a blanket on the floor sticking out fro to breathe

Mikhail’s voice reaches ravel Whenmy breath I inhale the scent of the leather seat and a feminine perfuhtly withmy nose

Don’t sneeze, Kate Please, don’t sneeze

The engine starts The car rolls forward slowly I count the seconds After fifteen beats, we pick up speed The faster we go, the more my pulse quickens