I didn’t join them.
I couldn’t.
I moved slowly, gathering my things with deliberate precision.
Every motion sent a fresh ripple of pain through my body—my knees flaring, my ribs tightening, my bruises pulsing in protest.
But I kept going.
Step by step.
Breath by breath.
When I finally stood, I had to steady myself against the desk for a moment longer than I liked.
Just to make sure I wouldn’t fall.
Then I started toward the main gates.
Each step was measured.
But it cost me more than I was willing to show.
I didn’t get far before a soldier appeared.
As if he had been waiting.
He moved quickly—falling into step beside me with practiced discipline.
His uniform was crisp.
His posture was straight, but his gaze lowered respectfully the moment he acknowledged me.
“Ma’am,” he said quietly.
Not loud. Not intrusive.
“Mr. Orsini instructed that I drive you back to the residence today.”
I nodded once.
“Okay.”
No resistance.
I didn’t have the energy for either.
He adjusted his pace instantly, matching mine as we made our way toward the executive bay.
The vehicle was already there.
A blacked-out SUV.
The kind of car that didn’t just transport people—it announced power before it even moved.
The doors were opened for me.
I slid into the backseat carefully, lowering myself with more control than I felt.
