PROLOGUE
NORTH CAROLINA
Sophia stared at the ceiling, listening to Ivan’s breath rattle next to her in bed. Every inhale and exhale filling the room threatened to suffocate her.
It was late, and her surroundings swam in darkness, but Sophia had no difficulty staying awake.
She waited.
Even after Ivan’s breathing slowed. Even as her skin crawled at his proximity, her body not understanding that this was the last night she needed to be near him, she waited, twisting the emerald ring on her finger, its green stone catching what little moonlight filtered through the curtains. The cold metal against her skin kept her grounded, reminding her of what was at stake.
Not wanting to risk anything. Not wanting to ruin months of planning, Sophia waited until it seemed even the insects and frogs outside had gone to sleep.
Then, it was time.
Sliding out of bed, she tiptoed across the room and donned a silk robe. She moved as quietly as possible, wrapping her fingers around the doorknob. Turning it, Sophia held her breath.
The latch clicked and, opening the door, she stole a glance over her shoulder. Fear gripped her senses as, for a moment, she thought Ivan was watching her. But she soon realized it was only a trick of her mind.
Steeling herself, she exited the room. Her bare feet made little noise as she padded her way down the long hallway.
The house was cold, and the smell of the evening’s dinner was still in the air. Feijoada. White rice, toasted flour and a side of orange slices. It was her mother’s recipe. Except her mother cooked with pork sausage, and Sophia used ribs.
At the top of the stairs, she paused, pressing her palm against the door of Adria’s room.
The estate was silent, and she was nervous. With her heightened senses, Sophia swore she could hear the little girl breathing. Beyond that door, her daughter lay curled beneath a purple blanket—the one with silver stars that caught the light when Adria tossed in her sleep. A stuffed bear would be clutched under her chin, its fur matted from years of nighttime embraces. Sophia’s fingers lingered on the doorknob, then fell away. The sound of Adria’s gentle breathing echoing in her mind as she walked down the hallway, fading with each step.
She continued past the stairs, moving to the kitchen before exiting through the estate’s large double glass doors.
Outside, past the sundeck, was a group of shrubs. Behind them was Maxim, waiting, as promised. His dark eyes softened when they saw her.
Wordlessly, he tucked a large envelope under his arm and held out his other hand.
Sophia pressed her palm against his. He was cold to the touch, no doubt because he had been waiting for hours outside.
Maxim led her through a back path, bringing them further into the grounds. Just as the earth was getting uncomfortable to walk on, he stopped.
He reached into a nearby bramble, retrieving a pair of shoes and a small backpack. Maxim pressed everything into her hands—the shoes, the bag, the envelope he’d been carrying. Sophia opened the pack and shook out a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. As Maxim turned away, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the night, she slipped off her robe. The cold air bit at her skin before she hastily pulled on the clothes.
Sophia checked the bag; it had another outfit and some cash. He hadn’t packed socks, but she was still relieved to slide the shoes on her feet.
Stuffing the envelope and her robe into the bag, she said, “Okay, I’m ready.”
Maxim turned around just as she was cinching the backpack up on her shoulders.
“There is a car waiting for you. Through a break in the fence and just past those trees,” he said, holding out a single key.
“Get in and drive. Keep driving; don’t stop.”
She nodded, breathing short. She was so close.
“I plan on going to?—”
He cut her off with a wave of his hand. “It’s better if I don’t know your first stop. Take your time and make your way to the border. When you get there, cross on a Tuesday in the third lane. My guy will wave you through. Call me when you get settled. You know the number.”
She nodded.
“Then I can get Adria and meet you there,” he said.
