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I hurried for my suitcase and watched him head over to the balcony, keeping an eye on anyone coming in and out of the hotel.

With a mixture of emotions I walked back and forth, slamming my clothes into my suitcase. My vision blurred as I crouched down to grab my shoes but I blinked long and hard, wiping the stray tear of frustration away.

When I reached the bed again I caught Nereus’ concerned gaze but ignored it. “Nirah—”

“We need to leave.” I cut him off, rushing into the bathroom. I grabbed a couple of essentials, unintentionally sniffling as I dropped everything in my suitcase.

His voice amplified the immense thudding of my heart. “You know we had to do this.” He found himself in front of me, hands holding the sides of my arms.

I looked up at him through blurry vision. “I’m sorry,” I whispered.

He forced a smile, giving the side of my arm a gentle squeeze. “Don’t be.”

“I know how much you l—”

“I choose you, okay?” He stepped closer, genuine eyes sparkling down at me. “We’ll be okay.” He pulled me in for a hug, and I buried my face in his chest, guilt eating at me.

“Let’s go.” I swallowed, nodding up at him and he grabbed my suitcase.

I’d never seen my brother as on edge as when we hurried down the hallway and into the elevator. As soon as the doors slid open, he stepped out first, glanced around and nodded for me to follow.

My heels clicked against the tiles as we exited the foyer and slipped into Nereus’ black Aston Martin. He shut the door behind me and rounded the hood of the car before slipping into the driver’s seat.

He cast me a final glance and I nodded with confirmation. The engine released a deafening roar as he pulled away and I couldn’t help steal one final glance at the hotel.

Releasing a shaky breath I stared ahead knowing this was the right thing to do. This is what I wanted. Needed. Planned for. And I did it. I survived.

CHAPTER 39

Nirah

Present

The sunlight was burning my retinas through my eyelids when I pierced my eyes open with a groan.

Antonio was next to me, sitting down on the chair beside my bed as he held my hand.

His voice was unfamiliarly brittle. “Nirah…?”

A deep pounding in my head blurred my vision and I lifted my heavy arms, placing my hands over my face.

“What happened?” I murmured, dragging my hands down as I looked over at him, and he stared at me with uncertainty. “Antonio?”

He exhaled heavily and reached forward, carefully pulling me into his arms. I inhaled his scent deeply, feeling a profound sense of relief being back in his embrace.

He kissed me repeatedly before taking my face in his hands. With his forehead pressed to mine, he whispered, “I love you so much.”

I sadly smiled, tears swelling in my eyes. “I love you too.” I pressed my lips to his. Breaking the kiss I sniffled. “You—” I choked out, holding him tighter. “You saved me from them…” I shuddered in a whisper, engraved images of what happened flashing around in my head.

He rested one hand on the back of my head, pressing his lips to my temple.

I buried my face in the crease of his neck as I fought back a sob. “I’m okay.” I breathed, unable to let go of him.

I rested my chin on his shoulder as I squinted, allowing my eyes to adjust to the light. “Where are we?” I pulled back, eyes scanning the ocean view. “Where’s everyone?” I glanced around, my heart rate increasing.

“Relax.” He took my face in his hands. “We’re in a hotel room. Cesar, Nereus and Samantha aren’t too far.”

I swallowed. “What happened?”