Page 18 of Secret Heir

He’s gone. His footsteps recede down the hallway, then a door closes somewhere in the distance.

I lean my forehead against the door and try to breathe while also trying not to scream. I can’t break down in front of Daniel, who’s already been through too much tonight.

“Mama?” His voice is small behind me. “Are we stuck?”

I turn and force a smile. “Just for tonight, baby. Just until morning.”

“Why did we come here?” He’s hugging his stuffed rabbit, looking at me with those too-knowing gray eyes. “Why did that man make us leave?”

Because I made choices eight years ago that have finally caught up with me.

Because I ran from his father and thought I could hide forever.

Because I was stupid enough to think love could save me from reality.

“It’s complicated, sweetheart.” I cross to the sofa and sit beside him, pulling him into my lap. “But I promise, I’ll keep you safe. No matter what.”

“I’m scared.” He curls against me, and I feel him shaking.

“I know. I’m scared too.” At least that’s honest. “But we’re together, and that’s what matters. Okay?”

He nods against my chest, but I can tell he doesn’t believe me. He’s seven years old and already too smart and aware of when adults are lying.

It takes an hour to get him settled in the new bedroom.

He doesn’t want to let go of me and doesn’t want to sleep alone in the unfamiliar bed.

Finally I lie down beside him, still in my clothes, and hold him until his breathing evens out and his grip on my hand loosens.

I slip out carefully and go back to the sitting room.

I try the door again, even though I know it’s useless.

I consider the balcony, but when I check it’s a straight drop to the ground—at least twenty feet, maybe more.

Even if I could get down, there are guards.

Cameras. Alarms.

Maksim has thought of everything.

I end up in my bedroom, sitting on the edge of the too-soft mattress, staring at nothing.

My mind is racing, trying to find a way out of this, trying to think of some escape that doesn’t involve putting Daniel in danger.

There isn’t one.

We’re trapped. Completely, utterly trapped.

And the worst part—the part that makes me want to scream—is that Daniel is finally in a place where he has toys and comfort. Where he’ll have enough to eat. He won’t have to wear secondhand shoes or go to bed hungry.

All the things I couldn’t give him, Maksim can provide without even trying.

I’ve failed as a mother. I’ve failed to protect my son from this world, to keep him safe and happy and free.

The shame of it sits heavy in my chest as I finally change into the pajamas left in the dresser. They’re soft and exactly my size because of course Maksim knows my size and I climb into bed.

I don’t sleep.