I press my lips together. “They shouldn’t give up on her so easily. They should keep looking, especially if she’s out that way.”
I want their misery to draw out longer.
A pang of guilt slips between my ribs and into my heart, sending a sharp, unexpected pain through my chest. I groan, confused. Why the hell would I be guilty about what I’m doing to them? It’s what Iwant. I want them to suffer.
It’s not guilt for them. It’s for her.
I shake my head and furrow my brows.
“You ok?” Simon asks.
“Yes, totally fine, like I said, I’m tired. A lot going on at work. Let me know if you hear anything about the missing girl, and I’ll keep my ear to the ground and do the same for you.”
“Thanks, man, I appreciate it. I know she’s not exactly a concern of yours,” Simon says.
I wave my hand in the air to dismiss him. “I’m not doing it for her,” I remark.
This brings a smile to his face because he assumes I’m doing it for Talia.
“I’ve got to get going,” I say, standing up and gathering my things from his desk. He stands too and walks me to his office door.
“Thanks for coming,” Simon says. “And try to get some sleep, man, you are so distracted today.”
I throw him a weary smile. “I plan to head straight home and get an early night.”
I have no such plans at all. What I’m really looking forward to is getting him and having dinner with Stefania.
I should arrive on time. The chef has been preparing meals, and instead of leaving hers in the kitchen like before, I’ve told him to set the table for both of us.
It’s strange how quickly these little rituals develop. And how quickly we become dependent on them.
Dependent?No, I’m not dependent on anyone.
I simply enjoy the company. Nothing more.
It’s something to keep my mind busy.
In fact, it’s not even the company. It’s just entertainment.
She’s my prisoner, and she’s a Shevchenko. An enemy.
***
When I walk into the mansion, I can smell roast vegetables and the thick, creamy aroma of mushroom sauce. There is already an air of eager anticipation as I step into the dining room, expecting to find her sitting there.
The table is set, the food is laid out, but she isn’t here.
I can see steam rising from the roast, so it can’t have been set too long ago, but where the hell is Stefania?
She’s escaped!No, calm down, she’s just not down yet.
My heart sinks into the depths of my stomach, and anger bolts like lightning through my body. I dart upstairs, running to her room, only to find it empty.
The anger grows darker as I check the library and the kitchen and find both empty.
She’s escaped!
I storm through the living room toward the open patio doors, only to find the guards who have clearly failed at their job.
