Benedikt, the protective bear of a man who goes out of his way to be patient and tender with me, easing the tension however he can.
Joseph, the authoritative leader. I know he likes things done a certain way. He likes things to be in order. He treats me with careful respect. Although the moment we had in the pool the other day was not as careful. It was…intently intimate, actually.
Then there’s Artur. He’s a fucking asshole. A tall, dark, and handsome glass of nastiness that I want to avoid at all costs.Still hot, though. But it doesn’t make up for his personality.
At three in the afternoon, I’ve found that the guys are all busy with their own things. Benedikt is in the gym, and Artur is yelling at someone on the phone. Kaz is in his room, and Joseph is in the library working. It’s usually around this time every day that no one seems to bother watching me.
It’s the perfect time to make my move.
I slip out of the patio doors into the garden, down the path that leads to the private beach. I haven’t been there yet because I was certain the guards would stop me, but today it’s a risk I need to take.
I smile at the guard walking past in the garden, and he nods politely.
Act like you’re going for a little beach stroll. Or a suntan session. This is totally normal, and you aren’t trying to escape.
I have no idea how, but it works. The guard ignores me when I push the little gate open that leads to the beach. He continues along his patrol path, and suddenly, I’m alone without anyone watching.
This is it. This is my chance.
So I run.
I drop the beach bag I packed for show, and I sprint across the sand toward the far side of the beach that leads up to the public road.
I tell you what, running in sand is a nightmare. By the time I get to the road, I can barely breathe.
But I’m here, and I can’t risk stopping.
I walk briskly in the opposite direction of the mansion, waving down passing cars in hopes that one of them is a taxi.
A cab pulls over and pushes its door open for me.
“Where to, miss?” he asks.
“The pier, please,” I say, hopping in. I have a crumpled ten and twenty in my pocket, and I hope like hell it’s enough to cover the tab. You never know with these independent taxis if they’re going to overcharge or not.
The driver can sense my tension and decides not to try and make conversation, but he keeps glancing at me in the rearview mirror. Thank goodness it’s not a far trip.
“Here you go, that’ll be eighteen…”
I hand him the money, relieved it’s enough for the trip and a generous tip.
“Thank you, wow, okay, you have a lovely day then, miss.”
I’m already out and slamming the door without saying goodbye because my entire body is flooded with anticipation of seeing my brother. Of goinghome.
My gaze traces the horizon near the pier. I look up and down the street, searching for him and anyone who might have followed me.
I’m so nervous I feel sick.
“Maria,” a deep voice grabs my attention. I spin to see three men standing near me, all wearing dark suits despite the scorching heat.
“Who are you?” I ask cautiously. “Where is Misha?”
“Misha sent us,” the shortest one says quickly to reassure me.
“My brother didn’t come himself?” I blurt out, disappointed.
“He really wanted to, but he couldn’t. We have a car to take you to the airport. He’s arranged a flight for you so you can leave right away.”
