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“Right away,” the man says before he ends the call and pockets the phone.
“Let’s go, Miss Ivanova,” he says gruffly. “The Boss is waiting.”
So much for being in peace for a few hours. I know I’ve spent enough time in the woods and it’s time to leave, but the way Lev treated me still leaves me fuming. I’m not ready to face him right now.
“I don’t want to go,” I reply. I fold my arms over my chest and tilt my head in defiance like a rebellious teenager would. He seems unfazed about my response.
“It’s not a request, ma’am. We’re taking you back. You want me to carry you?” he asks. I gape at him in shock.
“Dammit!” I grunt, glaring at the group of men. Carry me? Is this going to be another lesson in humiliation? Screw that! There’s no way I’m letting these men drag me back there. I’ll go on my own terms.
“Damn all of you,” I mutter as I walk past them, trying to retrace my steps from the estate. I’m not asking for directions, and I don’t care if they are following me or not. Why the fuck does Lev have to treat me like some kind of lost pet?
Maybe because that’s what you are to him, Aurora.
I trudge forward with grim determination, not quite sure if I’m on the right track, but too proud to turn and check with the team.
Screw that!
If I’m getting us lost, they will tell me.
So, we walk. And walk. And walk some more. Anger keeps me moving as I let the thought drive me. It feels ridiculous that all I did was go for a walk and they sent a freaking SWAT team after me. By the time I catch sight of the mansion through the trees, my legs are aching, and my lungs are burning.
For a moment, relief surges. And then dread.
Lev’s going to be waiting for me.
I feel like a prison escapee who just got caught.
I walk faster, hoping I can escape into my room without having to face my husband. I take quick steps down the hallway to my room, bypassing the living room, ignoring the wide-open door there.
“Aurora.” I freeze when I hear Lev’s voice.
Shit!
So much for my plans.
I turn to see him sprawled on the sofa inside the living room with a tumbler in his hand. A glance at the bottle of scotch on the table nearby leaves little doubt as to the contents of the glass he is holding.
I swallow when I return my attention to his face. He’s staring at me coldly. Goosebumps cover my skin and I shift uncomfortably. My legs are still aching, but now they feel weak. Again, I draw on my anger as I stare at him. This man who thinks nothing of using me, and then casting me aside.
I’m aware of movement around me. The man who led the team is standing nearby with several of the others.
“Get out!” Lev snaps and brisk bootsteps tell me that they’re leaving at speed. A door slams shut in the distance, and I know I’m alone with him.
Alone with the Devil.
The lost pet that just got found and is about to be punished.
Silence descends like a dark cloud.
As much as I dread the consequences of my actions, my rage is stronger. It’s not in my nature to show fear.
“Are you going to just stare at me all day?” I snap, feeling adrenalin surge.
Lev doesn’t give me a response. Instead, he downs the contents of his glass in one swift move, then slams it down on the table in front of him. The sharp sound makes me jump. He leans back in his seat and then crooks his fingers. The gesture is unmistakable. He’s beckoning me forward.
What a dick!
