Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 86571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86571 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 433(@200wpm)___ 346(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Lucca would track me with it, and I will not let that happen. Still, I wanted to let them know I loved them and that I was sorry to leave on such short notice.
I check the time as we arrive at the airport. Lucca will return to the university soon, and my class will be over. I have to get on a flight and get out here before the opportunity is gone.
“Have a great day,” the Uber driver says as I step out of the car.
I tighten my hold on my backpack. Fear wraps around my throat, and for half a second, I wonder if I can really do this. Can I really escape him? I look over my shoulder. Nothing, no one. He’s not here. I hit send on the message to Steven and Tracy and turn my phone off. I toss it into the nearest trash can. Taking a huge breath, I straighten my spine and walk into the airport.
I’m ending whatever this was between him and me. He said so himself. He didn’t want me, not like that, so why was I there? Why was I letting him control me? The questions linger even after I’m on the plane and soaring through the sky.
I can only hope that Lucca never finds me because for the first time in my life, I am free, and I’m not going to give up that freedom for anyone.
32
Lucca
Six months, six fucking months, and I still haven’t found her. I should have known she would leave. I showed her the worst part of me that night I took her virginity. I should have known it would scare her off.
If I was a better man, I would let her go, but I’m far from it. I won’t ever let her go, and I will find her. If Felix would get off his high horse and help me, I would have pinpointed her location the day she left, but the fucker insists on letting her go if that’s what she wants. Asshole.
I’ve spent every waking moment either on the run from Julian or looking for Claire. Unfortunately, she has learned too much from me with staying off the grid. I know I need help. I just don’t know how to get it.
At least I didn’t until Carter called me last week telling me about a gang of Volocove’s associates trying to make a move on Julian. I would normally trust that he can handle it himself, but their plan is actually pretty good, and they might have a chance.
That’s why I’m here, at a Christmas fundraiser for the rich. As I had feared, they took Elena, leaving Julian in a frenzy to find her. This is my chance, my only shot at redemption. Either I’ll help him and get back into his good graces, or I’ll die today.
Julian turns the corner and stops dead in his tracks when he sees me. Shock quickly turns into anger, and I know he is thinking about killing me. I know normally, he would pull the trigger and end me in a heartbeat, but right now, he has more pressing matters on his mind.
He knows I’m not here by chance. He knows he needs me, and that’s the only reason I’m not on the floor in a puddle of my own blood.
I can see the moment Julian’s temper flares and gets the better of him. He lunges for me, fisting my shirt, and slams my back into the closest wall.
“The only reason you’re breathing right now is because I know you have something to do with her disappearance.”
“I know you have no reason to believe me, but I didn’t touch her. I came here to help. I might be out of the loop, but I’ve heard the rumors. I heard that some associates of the Volocove’s family were going to strike tonight. They are still pissed about you messing with their operation. I came to warn you, but it seems I’m too late.”
“Warn me?” Julian hisses before he slams me against the wall once more.
“Let me help you find her. Let me prove myself,” I offer, not fighting back at all.
“There is nothing to prove,” he spits, looking like all he wants to do is smash his fist into my face.
“I can get her back. I can find her. They think I’m a traitor already. They’ll never expect me to be helping you. Let me do this. If not for you, for Elena.”
“And why should I trust you? You betrayed me.”
“You shouldn’t. I did what I had to do for the same reason you’re doing what you have to do right now. Love has that effect on people. I didn’t want to betray you, but they had her…”
Julian shakes his head, but releases me. He takes a step back, putting space between us. His entire body trembles, no doubt with the need to kill me.