I mentioned a motel located at a safe distance from here. He put the car into gear and drove away.
Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower” was playing in the car’s cabin, the lyrics seeping into my soul.
“Hey, can you turn that up?” I asked the driver.
“Sure.” He did just that.
I drew a deep breath and leaned my head against the glass, letting myself be carried away by the slow, heartbreaking song.
After he dropped me at the motel, I rented a room for the night. The plan was to rest here for a while before cooking up my next move.
The room was clean for a cheap motel, but the space was way too small. Or maybe it was just my eyes. Maybe I only thought so because I’d already gotten used to the large rooms at the Tarasov mansion.
First things first, I took a warm bath to wash off all the sweat and dirt from the dark tunnel. Once done, I lay butt-naked on the bed, my eyes fixed on the spinning ceiling fan.
I threw my hands under my head and said to myself, “You did it, Emi. You did it.” My lips curled into a small, self-satisfied grin. “You’re out.”
Come tomorrow morning, I’d think of my next plan. But for now, it was time to sleep. I pulled the sheets over my body, let out a triumphant sigh, and closed my eyes.
***
Early the following morning, I woke to the loud honk of a truck passing by the road outside. A slight groan escaped my lips, and I rolled onto my side, clasping a pillow over my ear.
As I lay there, frustrated by the honk that had pulled me out of my sleep, two things caught my attention. First, a strange feeling that I wasn’t alone in the room. My senses picked up another presence around me; dangerous, masculine.
Next was the scent of a very familiar cologne.
My eyes widened as the realization hit me hard. “No,” I murmured, overwhelmed with fear.
“Rise and shine, Princess,” came that unmistakable voice of Adrik Tarasov.
I sat up immediately, pulling the sheets over my chest. That’s when my gaze fell on him.
He was seated on a sofa beside my bed, his legs crossed, exuding his usual air of confidence. His expression was blank. No sign of anger or any emotion at all.
My throat wobbled as I swallowed hard, my heart pounding like a freaking drum. “Adrik…what’re you…” I stuttered, unable to get my words together. “How’d you…?” I glanced back at the door.
He looked right at me, his voice deep and steady. “I own half of this city, Emika. I have eyes and ears everywhere.” He uncrossed his legs and leaned in. “Did you honestly think you could run away and I wouldn’t find you?”
His calmness was starting to concern me because I had no idea what crazy punishment he had in store for me.
“I can—I can explain—”
“Save it,” he cut me off and rose to his feet. “Get dressed.” His eyes darted toward the clothes on the floor. “We’re going back home.” He fastened the button on his coat and headed out the door.
I lowered my head in despair, my heart shattering. There was no hope left for me. He’d made it clear he’d always find me wherever I went. It only took him a few hours to track me down. Just a few hours.
That was how powerful and resourceful he was.
How was I ever going to run away from a man who owned half the city and had eyes everywhere?
“Fuck,” I cursed under my breath, slamming my head against a pillow.
And just like that, all my hard work was gone. Puff!
Chapter 20 – Adrik
I should’ve been mad when I discovered that she ran away. That single act should’ve told me she was hiding something—something that might land her in trouble with me. I should’ve thought she just wanted to save her skin after conniving with Richard against me.
