The way he says it is so casual, it almost sounds rehearsed, as if it ran through his head over and over, like a teenage girl in love. The image is so adorable that a smile stretches my lips.
“You really wouldn’t mind?” I insist.
“It’s just a name, Andrea. Not only do I like the symbolism of us sharing the same one, but I also think it would be wise to change mine. Because of what happened, too many people are familiar with my name. Changing it would bring us some anonymity.”
I nod mindlessly, staring at the trees passing by us. He’s right, of course. And Alexander Walker does sound nice. If it can help us get a more normal life, we should definitely do it.
This false life we’re building as Andrew and Alexandra is very enticing. Something in me wishes things could have been this easy between us, but I also know the insane bond that ties us together is so strong because of everything we’ve been through. So, strangely enough, I wish we’d met in such an easy and uncomplicated fashion, but at the same time, I don’t. What we have is unique, a one-of-a-kind love story. And I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Still, I hope we’ll eventually get our happily ever after. Preferably soon.
“Baby?”
“Hm?”
“Once all of this is over, if we find out who wants Nammota dead, if we sort everything, and get our life back… Do you think we can really have such a simple and easy life together?”
There is a flicker of doubt in his steely eyes, but I can’t tell if it’s about getting our lives back or getting a peaceful one together. “I’m convinced we could be disgustingly happy together, yes. And if we never find out who wants us dead, we can always remain Andrew and Alexandra, and be happy that way.”
I nod silently, turning my attention back to the nature outside. I don’t want that. I want to be us. I want our real lives, not a lie. I want us to build a family, and neither of us would bring a child into this world as long as there’s a threat out there. Beyond that, I refuse to spend the rest of my life on the run, hiding from everyone and everything. With Lex’s brain and mine put together, I’m confident we can find out who put that bounty out. And then we’ll deal with them and break free of their invisible hold.
Those are the thoughts that run through my mind as I doze off, the pill Lex gave me kicking in. That, and the fact that I still can’t believe we’re in fucking Canada…
Chapter 23
Iwake up in an unfamiliar bed, draped in sheets I’ve never seen before, in a room I’ve never been in. At least the warm body beside me and the steady breaths it lets out is one I know. Thick curtains are drawn, letting barely any light filter in, so I can only discern vague silhouettes of my surroundings. My foggy mind and the throbbing pain in my shoulder pile onto my confusion, and I force myself to think through the hazy fog.
We were in Canada. Lex was driving us to a safe house. But I don’t remember ever arriving or getting into this bed. I can’t recall anything past the first ten minutes across the border. Jesus, what was that pill he gave me? A sleeping pill for rhinos?!
Looking around, I notice a glass of water and a painkiller tablet on the nightstand, and I immediately forgive Lex for making me pass out. I’m not mad I missed the seven-hour drive. At all.
Sitting up is a challenge, but I somewhat manage, then take my pill before standing up to find the bathroom. I stumble upon a vast walk-in closet first, then find what I’m looking for. It’s beautifully designed, with sage glass tiles, soft-colored woods, and light beige walls.
My eyes are on the view out the large window as I pee. It looks like we’re one floor up, and there’s nothing out there but nature and trees. Once I’m done, I find a robe and slip it on the best I can before returning to the bedroom. Curious to see what view this side has to offer, I slightly pull one of the curtains open.
Holy shit… The view over the lake is splendid. Especially with the sun veiling the entire landscape with a warm, fiery glow. It almost looks like fall instead of spring. Gazing down at the lawn, I see a large natural stone terrace facing the lake, with a firepit surrounded by a round lounge sofa. There’s also a wooden hot spring, and then a stone path that leads to what must be a boathouse.
I’m still taking in the utter beauty of this place when I feel a warm presence behind me.
“Do you like it?” Lex murmurs, his voice low and rough from just waking up.
“Baby, this place is incredible,” I say, twisting to look up at him.
“I knew you’d like it.” He opens the curtains all the way, letting the morning light in.
I lean back into him as he wraps his arms around my middle, my head leaning onto his shoulder. “So, we’re safe here?”
“Yes. My name isn’t tied to this place. This is the summer house of an old couple from Vancouver. I offered them twice its price the day after the shooting, on the condition that it remained fully furnished. They came by, took their personal belongings, and hid a key in an agreed-upon location. Today, I’ll work on setting up a secure location so you can remain in touch with your loved ones. And I have two phones with untraceable chips, which we’ll get to use.”
Stunned by how much he accomplished in so little time, I stare forward for a moment, watching the surface of the lake shimmer with the golden morning light.
“Thank you,” I say in a small voice.
“For what?”
“For coming up with all this so we could be safe. For taking me along with you. For looking after me…”
His hold tightens just a little. “I’ll forever look after you, Andrea. We’re in this whole mess because of me, and if I have to, I’ll dedicate the rest of my life to making sure you’re safe.”
