That wasn't a dream. That was them moving us while we were under.
"That's a funny dream. Do you remember anything else?"
"I had some juice and it tasted funny, like pennies."
I press my lips to Hale's forehead, shutting my eyes against the sting building behind them. Drugging me is one thing, but drugging my child is another.
This asshole doesn't care.
Hale's fingers find mine under the blanket. They're so small and so heartbreakingly soft. He's just turned five, too young for his innocence to be ripped away like this. I'm going to do everything I possibly can to protect it, even if it means lying to him sometimes.
"How long are we staying here?"
"For a while, sweetheart. But I'm right here. We'll be together the whole time."
He nods, smiling with blind trust I don't deserve.
Because he doesn't know the truth.
He doesn't know I can barely save myself.
Sudden knocking on the door startles both of us.
"Don't get up unless I tell you to, and close your eyes." I squeeze his hand, a silent reminder that everything is going to be fine.
His eyes go wide. "Is it…"
"Yes. Remember what we practiced?"
He nods and rolls onto his side, pretending to be half-asleep. His back is to the door, one hand fisted in the sheet.
"I love you, baby, so much."
"I love you too, Mommy."
My legs wobble as I cross the room. The door swings open before I reach the handle.
Ewan steps inside, blocking out the hallway like a moving shadow. Dark sweater, tailored coat, black wool slacks pressed into perfect lines. Nothing on him is accidental.
His steel-gray hair is cropped close to hide how quickly it's thinning. His eyes, cold and pale as glacier water, sweep over me with calculated hunger. It isn't desire. It's much worse.
I wish he'd choke on it.
"Good morning, or perhaps afternoon is more accurate." He checks his Rolex, a small gesture meant to remind me he controls the hours of my life, including the ones he drugged me through.
He steps farther inside. I try to hold my ground, but my body takes several steps back.
His eyes scan the bed. "Still sleeping, is he?"
"He doesn't feel well. You drugged us again," I whisper the last part so Hale doesn't hear me.
"Don't be dramatic, Keira. It was a mild sedative. Would you rather Hale remembered us dragging him across a tarmac in the middle of the night?"
No point in answering.
My entire body starts to tingle with panic as the bedroom door closes. Guards. He's never alone—at least two guards with him at all times.
"Do you know where we are?" he asks lightly, like this is a guessing game.
