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“Anton?” Luka’s voice pulls me from my reverie, the concern evident in his tone. “Are you alright?”
“Of course,” I snap, steeling myself against the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. Feelings that have no place in my world.
“Good,” Luka says, accepting my answer without pushing further. He knows when to question and when to let things lie; another testament to his unwavering loyalty. Yet I can feel his eyes narrowed on me as if looking for signs of weakness. I turn a steely-eyed stare at him, daring him to question me further.
“Let’s get to the details,” I say when he looks away abruptly.
Together, we finalize our plans and tally the necessary resources. Weapons, disguises, and pertinent information will ensure that our movements are synchronized and efficient.
Once we have everything laid out, Luka pauses and shoots me a grin.
“Just like old times, yes?” His eyes glint with something that looks dangerously like enthusiasm. In spite of the trepidation I’ve carried for so long, I’m certain that mine glint, too. As we stand on the precipice of this dangerous journey, I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Luka. We’ve been through a lot together – it’s only fitting that we face this challenge side by side. And for the first time in three years, I feel like I’m taking control of my destiny again.
“Da. Like old times,staryy drug.” I clap a hand on his shoulder. We stand for a moment taking in the depth of what we’re about to do. And then I break the silence, “Come,” I say. “We’ll need our rest. We leave first thing in the morning.”
Chapter 21
Scarlett
I wake with a start, my stomach churning.
The room is dim, shadows dancing across the walls in the pale dawn light filtering through the curtains.
I groan and press a hand to my belly, waiting for the nausea to pass. I really need to get that damn pregnancy test. I won’t be able to rest until I have an answer.
I throw back the covers and walk across the plush carpet to the bathroom. Splashing cold water on my face, I stare at my face in the mirror. I look pale and drawn, dark circles smudged under my eyes.
“Keep it together, Scarlett,” I tell my reflection. I can’t affordto let my anxieties get the better of me. Not until I know for certain.
Taking a deep breath, I return to the bedroom and pull on some clothes. I need to find a way into town today – no more waiting. It’s time to take matters into my own hands.
As I step into the hallway, I notice that the house is eerily quiet. Usually, I can hear Anton or Luka moving about, but today there’s nothing. Just a heavy silence pressing down on me like an unwanted shroud.
“Anton?” I call out, my voice sounding small and uncertain. “Luka?”
Crickets.
A quick exploration of the house turns up nothing. Bracing myself at the thought of being caught, I even poke my nose into Anton’s bedroom. The bed is made. There’s no sign of him. There’s never been a time when I couldn’t find at least one of them.
Would he have left without telling me?
Annoyance flares in my chest, but it’s quickly replaced by a sense of relief. This is my chance – Ican finally slip into town undetected and get what I need. The pregnancy test and a new phone. My heart races at the thought; it’s now or never.
“Alright, Scarlett, let’s do this,” I whisper to myself. A glance at the time tells me that Nikolai is probably up by now. If there’s nobody around, there’s no way I can leave him alone here.
Dammit!
I gnaw on my fingertip as I run through my options.
I’m going to have to take him with me.
“Miss Scarlett?” his voice intrudes. I blink as he appears beside me in the kitchen, where my search of the house has come to an end.
“Morning, kiddo,” I say brightly, though nausea still roils in my belly. “Ready for breakfast?”
“Mm-hmm.” He nods, watching as I head to the walk-in pantry.
“Captain Crunch?” I call over my shoulder. I frown when I realize that some of the shelves are almost bare. No Captain Crunch. No Cheerios, either. “Or maybe I could boil up a couple of eggs,” I offer as an alternative.
