“Will we get to come back, even if the bounty is still out there?”
“Not if I can help it, no.”
My heart tightens at the thought. What if it takes years to get rid of the danger looming over us? I can’t abandon my whole life like this. It would crush me and my family.
“What if it never goes away?” I then ask, my heart heavy at the possibility.
“Then it’s as it has always been. You and me against the world, freckles.”
I distractedly nod, eyes still on the screen. Going into hiding is our best option for now, yes. I’ll heal without the worry of another hitman coming after us, which isn’t a bad idea. Being safe would also give us time to strategize and find out who wants Nammota dead. Maybe we could find a way to have them cancel the bounty. Someone willing to spend that much money on such a matter has to be influential, big. Probably one of the people Nammota went after, someone who was targeted in the last hit.
Then, we can show them just how much worse we can make it for them. Ruin their fucking life like they’re trying to ruin ours.
“When are we leaving?” I ask, not quite resigned, but almost.
“Soon.”
“And where are we going?”
“You’ll know in time, Andrea.”
“What if I need to make arrangements?”
“You can’t. No one can know we’re going. Not until we’ve disappeared. But once we have, I’ll set up a safe way to communicate with anyone who matters. You’ll still get to talk to your family and friends, as long as no one knows where we are.”
I’m silent again for a while, trying to imagine what the next few months will look like. Or is it the rest of our lives? On the run, hiding from danger until the day we die? Is such a life worth living? One with names that aren’t ours, invented pasts, and uncertain futures. Onewithout children, because who would bring a life into such a dangerous existence?
“Do you trust me?” Lex softly asks.
His eyes harbor vulnerability and doubt, but I don’t hesitate to say, “With my life.”
“And I’ll guard it with mine, my love.” He picks up my hand and lays a long and adamant kiss on its back.
“But wherever you’re taking me, it better be warm and sunny. You owe me a vacation on a private island somewhere,” I remind him.
The ghost of a smile floats on his lips, and I’m not sure how to interpret it. Ultimately, the destination doesn’t entirely matter. Not as long as we’re together.
“So, the plan starts now?” Andrea asks as I help her get into my car.
“Yes.”
We’ve both warned everyone who matters that we’ll be off-grid for a few days, so she can get her rest. No one will worry until we’re ready to contact them again. By then, we’ll be hidden and safe, ready to start the charade that’ll keep us away from our world.
“Are we stopping by your place to pack?” Andrea wonders.
“I already packed everything you’ll need.”
“A bunch of bikini bottoms?”
The only reason I don’t grin at her further attempt at guessing where we’re going is because I realize how disappointed she’ll be by our destination. I picked something safe and unpredictable, not a dream vacation somewhere warm. Especially since her condition doesn’t allow her to fly yet.
I wait for the black SUV of hired security to pass, and then I pull out of my parking spot, allowing the second SUV to follow us. If it all goes according to plan, we’ll soon be rid of our security detail. We’re the safest when it’s only the two of us. I don’t trust anyone else. A million dollars can change a life, and many people would take that chance.
Andrea doesn’t speak much, her seat reclined for her comfort, but her eyes read the signs we pass. Eventually, she realizes we’re heading toward the airport, and a smile grows on her lips.
“Can I see the plane tickets?” she asks, convinced she’s cracked it.
“Not yet.”
