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I listen. It’s just as I imagined. I told myself I would never actuallyneeda hideout. And yet here I am.
My mind races.
The type of information I discovered was under high profile lock and key. The people responsible for this set up an immediate alert in the event of a security breach and absolutely had the funds and resources for high security measures.
Oh God.
Footsteps sound on the floor below. How long will they look for me? How thoroughly will they search? With a pounding heart, I wait in the corner of the attic, well hidden. If whoever’s here had the foresight to bring a search dog, I’ll be fucked, but I’m mostly invisible to the human eye.
Glass shatters amid loud, commanding voices. Though I can’t make out clear words, I know they’re trying to get me out of hiding. I swipe at the tears that fall and clutch my laptop to me at the sounds of my meager possessions being destroyed.
I listen for words but can only hear muffled voices. From my perch in the attic, I crawl on my belly to look through the tiny, triangular-shaped window that overlooks the driveway. Three unmarked luxury SUVs.
Shit.
I hold my breath and pray the camouflaged trap door remains hidden.
The footsteps come closer. Someone bangs a heavy hand on the closet walls and ceiling. I slap my hand to my mouth to stifle a scream. The voices come nearer.
I hold my breath until I’m dizzy.
I wait until it sounds like every single one of my belongings has been obliterated and the cold, angry voices retreat. I stare out the small window and watch the SUVs reverse onto the street and leave.
I can’t go back to any place that’s familiar or home.
I have to run.
CHAPTER TWO
Aria
I clutchmy laptop to my chest as I stand outside the towering door. The imposing estate alone almost makes me want to flee, but I didn't get where I am by running when I'm scared.
My finger hovers over the doorbell, my hand quaking. I will myself to push it. No turning back now. Loud chimes sound inside the elegant house.
What am I doing? Why am I here? I wish I didn’t feel so out of place. I wish I had another option.
My heart’s racing when the door opens and Tatiana, my old college roommate and former best friend, stands in front of me.
She blinks. She’s barely aged the past few years and looks as beautiful as ever with her pale skin the color of cream, and her ice-blue eyes, a mass of thick dark curls framing her face. “Oh my God.Aria?"
“Tatiana,” I say with a forced smile as I look over my shoulder. “Please. I need to come in.”
The quick snap of her gaze tells me she understands. With a nod, she steps back and slams the door behind me.
“Come with me.”
I follow her to a small room that looks like a study, complete with a sideboard and gleaming mahogany desk.
“Sit.” She points to a chair. While I never bothered with small talk, Tatiana never bothered with formalities. Without another word, she takes a glass from the shelf, opens a decanter with amber liquid, and pours. "Drink?”
I normally don’t drink. It’s too expensive and I like to stay in control of myself. But this is good stuff and God, has it ever been a week. I drink what she gives me until ice hits my teeth.
Tatiana gives me a half-smile. “How’ve you been?”
I swallow. “Been better. You?”
With a sigh, she nods. “Same. I knew you’d eventually come to claim your dues. So let’s hear it.”
