I pad over to my backpack first, sliding the burner phone into the back pocket of my jeans, and then I move to open the window.
The metal cage that’s the fire escape clangs as I step onto it. It feels slightly unsteady, and I can’t help wondering when the last time it passedinspection was.
Out of sight, out of mind.
I’ve got more important things going on right now, like my few moments of freedom—and the new text waiting for me in my notifications.
Myshka.
You know what happens to those who forget where they belong.
Do not test my patience.
I make my way down to the cracked sidewalk below before I disappear on the street. The summer air brushes against my skin, and the warm rays from the sun make the entire street feel like an oven. But I’m grateful for the brief moment alone anyway.
I’m gone for no more than fifteen minutes.
I take a short walk around the block, clear all texts and notifications from the burner, and then finally force myself to return.
The fire escape is waiting for me on the side of Killian’s building.
I climb my way up faster than I had gone down. The window’s cracked partially open like I left it.
Nobody’ll ever know I snuck out and came right back.
…until I squeeze myself through the opening in the window and realize I’m not so alone after all.
Killian’s on the other side waiting for me.
Oh shit!
He glares, brawny arms folded across his chest, teeth bared. “Just what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
His rumble is enough to make me falter on a reply. He advances as I blink and stammer.
“I… I was… I needed fresh air.”
“I had my suspicions you’ve been leaving when I do,” he says. “But I figured you wouldn’t be so damn foolish.”
“I was only gone fifteen minutes. I… I walked around the block and came right back.”
“Fifteen minutes too fucking long. You were told to stay put!”
“I’m a woman, not a dog. I don’t do commands,” I counter, my heart beating faster. My pulse racing. “You keep assuming I can’t take care of my?—”
“This isn’t about whether you can take care of yourself or not. How many times fucking times do I’ve got to tell you?” he rumbles, easily drowning me out. “Do you know what could’ve happened to you? The Bratva ishuntingyou! Every moment you’re out there alone, they’re tracking you!”
I scoff in his face, a bold move that surprises even myself. “And I’m supposed to believe I’m any safer here? They dumped Teagan on your doorstep.”
“If that’s what they did to Teagan—six-foot-tall, two-hundred-pound Teagan—when he was on his own, what do you think they’ll do to you?” he snarls crudely, taking another large step toward me.
I’ve backed up, but there’s hardly any space remaining between him and the wall and window behind me. Instead, I’m forced to peer indignantly up at him with the little hairs that rise up on the back of my neck.
I’m fully aware of what the Bratva’ll do to me.
The memories are still fresh in my mind every time I’m alone. Every time I close my eyes…
“In case you haven’t figured it out, you little pain in the ass of a stray.I’vebeen protecting you. The buttonmen have been putting their lives on the line standing outside that fucking door. The least you could do is sit your little ass down and follow orders,” he rants in a thick, beastly growl. It sounds more and more Irish the angrier he becomes. A true brogue. “Enough putting yourself in danger because you’ve got a chip on your shoulder and something to prove. Your recklessness won’t be tolerated. Neither will your stupidity.”
