Page 119 of Queen’s Gambit

“My father passed away suddenly tonight. My mother has arranged the funeral for the day after tomorrow. I expect you to come and pay your respects. Be ready to go by nine.”

He didn’t even give me a chance to respond before he turned and marched away.

Oh shit.

I touched Vlad’s arm, and he followed me into my bedroom. Once the door was closed, he did something completely out of character and hugged me. It was only then that I noticed that I was trembling.

“I need to speak to Eddie and see when he can get us out of here. I don’t think we can wait any longer.”

Vlad nodded, confirming my fears.

“I agree. I’ve been hearing rumblings of his mistress melting down and demanding that Christov get rid of you.” Stepping back, he gripped my shoulders. “Try to go back to sleep. I’ll be right outside.”

I took a deep breath to steady myself and glanced at Lilya’s door.

“Actually, can you sit in the doorway between the two rooms?”

“Of course.”

Walking over to the bed, I grabbed my phone.

Y: If we need to run, how fast can you make it happen?

E: What’s wrong?

Y: It’s a long story. I’ll tell you the next time I see you.

E: You’re worrying me…but I could get you out in two weeks. I just took over a new area, but there has been some resistance to the transition. Most of my soldiers are either taking care of that or making sure other locations don’t destabilize. I’ll be able to focus my resources on protecting you as soon as the dust settles.

Y: Two weeks it is. I love you with all my heart, Eddie. Always remember that.

E: Please tell me what’s going on.

Y: I will, I promise. I’m tired and need some sleep, but I’ll be dreaming of holding you.

E: Sweet talker. Okay…I love you more, my goddess.

I smiled.

Y: Impossible.

Two Days Later

A war could be sparked by nothing more than a dark glance across a crowded room.

That was exactly how I’d felt today. We’d agreed it was best to leave the children at the house, but I hadn’t expected Alina to come with us.

Without Sabastian and Lilya’s chatter, the silence was heavy. Alina glared at me from the other side of the car, her eyes filled with misplaced hatred. If she wanted to blame anyone it should be Christov. We were in this mess because of his choices.

The funeral was beautiful but long, and Christov played the perfectly dutiful son. My fears were confirmed as we stood around his father’s grave. Dirt hadn’t even covered the casket when Christov grabbed Alina’s hand in front of everyone. It was a silent statement, a signal of the end, and just like that, the peace we’d established was wiped away. We were at war.

They were gunning for me now…my time was running out.

One Week Later

Thank goodness Lilya was spending the day with my mother because I really needed to get this straightened out. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I paced my room, trying not to lose my cool. My accountant was giving me a headache, and it wasn’t even his fault.

“What do you mean my account is empty?”