Julian noticed my reaction, frowning slightly. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Nothing." I forced a smile. "Just tired."
He looked at me for a moment but didn't press, just put his arm around my shoulders and steered me toward the dining room. "Then eat first, get some rest early. We still have to pack tomorrow."
Tomorrow.
Right, tomorrow, we were supposed to leave San Francisco.
I sat down at the table, watching Julian bring over the steaming pasta.
"Julian..." I began, keeping my voice calm.
"Yeah?" He was pouring water and looked up at me.
"I was thinking..." I chose my words carefully. "Do we really have to move?"
His movements paused for a beat, but he quickly recovered. "Of course we do. Didn't we already agree?"
"I know, but..." I lowered my head, pretending to struggle. "I'm a little reluctant to leave here. This neighborhood is really nice, and the neighbors are all so friendly. I worked at the nursing home for almost a year, and those old folks are sad to see me go. And..."
I looked up, meeting his eyes.
"This is where Aiden was born. I think...this is a good place for him to grow up."
Julian set down the water pitcher. The smile slowly disappeared from his face.
"Luna," he called my fake name, a hint of barely detectable coldness in his voice, "we've discussed this. San Francisco isn't safe. Kirill could find you any time. We have to leave."
"But he already found me," I said. "He's known where I am for so long and hasn't done anything to me. Maybe...maybe we could reconsider?"
Julian's expression changed.
"No." His tone turned hard, brooking no argument. "You and Aiden have to leave. I know a place that's better for you, very safe, where no one can find you."
My heart sank.
"But—"
"No buts." He cut me off, his voice suddenly cold. "This isn't up for discussion. We leave first thing tomorrow morning. Go pack now."
He'd never spoken to me in this tone before.
Never. Every alarm in my head went off.
"Okay...okay." I lowered my head, pretending to submit. "I'll go pack."
I stood up and headed for the bedroom. With every step, I could feel his gaze on my back, like a cold blade pressed against my spine.
In the bedroom, I started mechanically packing.
Julian's reaction wasn't normal.
I opened the closet and started stuffing Aiden's clothes into the suitcase. His little sweaters, little socks, that blanket he loved most...
"Don't pack so much."
Julian's voice suddenly came from behind me, nearly making me drop the clothes.
