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“I’m not on his side when it comes to this. What he did was wrong, even if he didn’t have a choice. Either way, I’m not going to sit back and do nothing when your life could be in danger. Ravenna is here. She and I will come for you. The consequences be damned.”
Once again, I stare at my phone in shock. Arianna never cusses. She must be really worked up about this, which makes me feel less alone. I have my sister and my cousin on my side.
“Hold on. Let’s back up for a minute. What if the rumors aren’t true and he didn’t kill his wife? Are you sure he was ever married?” My head is spinning as I try to sort through all the information, implications, and possibilities.
“I’ve heard about his wife from several different people, not just the aunties, so I’m pretty sure he was married. I’m sorry, but given his reputation—which everyone knows about—do you really think he didn’t do it? He’s ruthless and unforgiving. The facts are he was married, and his wife disappeared.Poof, gone.”
“You’re freaking me out, Arianna.”
“Good, because you need to get out of there before it’s too late. I don’t want to lose you. He already murdered one wife—who he was supposed to bein lovewith. What do you think he’ll do to you if you displease him? He’s a tyrant, Sophia.”
I’ve seen first-hand how brutal Roman can be, and I don’t doubt he killed his wife in a fit of rage. He’s a cruel man. I’m sure his own mother regrets bringing him into this world.
“What’s the plan?” I cast my gaze upward, praying that Arianna does have an actual plan to get me out of this mess.
“Okay, so you need to share your location with me, then we’re going to take Ravenna’s car and pick you up. Just get to the main road and we’ll find you. Keep your phone with you so we can text.”
I nod even though she can’t see me. “What about after that? I can’t go home.”
“No, you can’t. Ravenna says she’ll take you in.”
“Is Cian okay with that?”
A pause. “She says he’ll have to be. You’ll have to hide at her place for a while and no one can know you’re there. I know it’s not ideal, but as long as Roman is searching for you, you can’t come home without putting all of us in danger.”
“I know. But what if Roman figures out I’m at Ravenna’s house?”
Ravenna’s voice comes on the line. “Don’t worry about it. Cian is the head of the Irish mafia and richer than God. If we have to, we’ll hide you away in Ireland. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Inhaling a shaky breath, I steel my nerves. “Okay. I’ll head out tonight. It took us about an hour to get here, so you should leave soon.”
“I will. Share your location with Arianna’s phone, we’re leaving now.”
“See you soon.” I hang up and text her my location. She should be here in less than sixty minutes, unless—
Shit, I forgot about the snowstorm.
Sprinting to the window, I peer through the glass. The grounds are blanketed in white, but the wind has calmed down and the falling snow drifts lazily from the black sky.
I can do this. I will make it across the estate and out to the main road.
With my mind made up, a ray of hope on the horizon, I dress in a pair of wool slacks and a cashmere sweater. Going through the contents of my luggage, I find that all I have are high heels and slippers. Neither are a good option for this weather, not to mention the terrain. I’m going to have to find, and steal, someone else’s shoes.
The back door is off the kitchen, and I swear I saw a mudroom. Someone has to stash their boots in there. I cross my fingers and pray to God that my assumption is accurate.
Fortunately, my father’s staff packed my long fur coat. I drape it around myself and cinch the waist closed. Wearing two pairs of socks, and a scarf wrapped around my head, I’m ready to make my escape.
I crack open the door, and peek out. The hallway is quiet and empty, so I slip from the room and tiptoe along the corridor to the stairs, with my heart in my throat. Surely Roman’s security is top-notch. It’s only a matter of time before he gets wind of what I’m up to and sounds the alarm.
As I creep down the stairs, a distant voice tells me Roman is somewhere deeper in the mansion, probably on a business call, as I can’t hear the other side of the conversation. The steps are well built, barely creaking as I make my way stealthily to the ground floor.
I stride toward my destination, my palms grow clammy and my pulse whooshes in my ears. It’s past midnight. The rest of the household staff must be in their wing of the house by now, settled in for the night. Not so much as a mouse moving in this tomb of a house.
I squeeze my phone in the pocket of my fur coat to reassure myself it’s still there. I’m so close to getting out of here that I can practically taste my freedom.
Except this freedom is tainted by knowing I’m putting others in danger. What I should do is go on the run, far away from here, where not even my family can find me. I’d be on my own for the first time ever. But that’s better than staying here to suffer who knows what fate Roman has in store for me. Or letting him tear through my relatives, punishing them, until he flushes me out of hiding.
It’s too much to think about right now. My first objective is to get out of this house. Then I can worry about my next move.
