Page 90 of Anton

I start to type again, not even sure what the fuck I’m supposed to say, before deleting the whole thing and hitting call instead.

It rings once, then goes to voicemail.

Nu blyat. She ignored it.

A curse rips out of me as I slam my fist against the handlebar, making the bike jolt. All I want to do is force my way onto the farm and make sure she’s safe. But her family would see me and Konstantin would hear about it before I made it back, which is the last thing I need.

Instead, I start the bike and keep my eyes fixed on the dark windows as I pull away.

She can’t stay behind those gates forever, and the second she leaves, I’ll be right behind her.

THORA

A chill skates over my arms as I leave the paddock and glance toward the tree line, half expecting to find someone there even though the only thing moving is the grass beneath the afternoon breeze.

I know exactly who I expect to see, even though that’s ridiculous. Anton wouldn’t be here.

Still, the uneasy feeling follows me all the way back to the house, crawling along my skin, and by the time I make it inside, I head straight upstairs and lock my bedroom door behind me.

My phone burns in my palm, the screen lighting up with his missed call and the texts I haven’t answered.

There’s nothing left to say. He used me. That’s all that was. None of it meant shit to him. So no, I won’t waste my time telling him off. If he wants to know why I have no desire to speak to him, he can figure it out himself. I have far more dignity than to chase a man who said those things about me.

But as soon as I open my phone and read his texts, I squeeze my eyes shut and clutch it against my chest. I don’t know how long I can keep ignoring him, or how long I can keep avoiding my other home.

He didn’t just rip apart whatever I thought we had. He took that place from me too, because I know the second I show up there, he will too.

“Aunt Thora!” Rue’s voice carries up from downstairs.

Crap. Jace was bringing her over today, and I promised I’d watch her while he handles some business.

Some company I’m going to be.

“Aunt Thora? Are you here?” Rue calls again, followed by the sound of small footsteps scurrying through the foyer. “Daddy, I don’t think she’s home, so that means you don’t have to go to your silly meeting and you can go riding with me and Snickers.”

I push myself to my feet and open the bedroom door just as Jace starts to answer from below.

“I’m sure she’s⁠—”

“I’m coming down,” I call, and by the time I reach the stairs, they’re both standing at the bottom looking up at me.

“See, she’s home.” Jace runs his fingers through his goatee, his baby blues filled with sweet relief.

“Fine.” Rue narrows her eyes at him, planting one hand on her hip. “But you’re not getting off that easy, mister.”

My lips curve as I pull my brother into a hug before crouching in front of my niece. “How about we give Daddy a break today? He works a lot.”

“Okay, but only because you asked.” She flashes me that bright, sunshiny smile capable of melting even the coldest heart.

“I won’t be long,” Jace says. “Dad just wanted me to look at a new property and meet with a contractor.”

“Take your time. We’ll have ourselves a day.”

“Thank you. I mean it.” He hugs Rue before rushing out the door, and the second it shuts behind him, she gives me a careful once-over.

“What’s wrong with you?”

My heart gives a little thump. “What do you mean?”