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My stomach grumbles, and I can’t wait to dig in.

Sitting down by the table, I look at Rowan, and when he meets my eyes, he says, “There’s eight hundred thousand in the security drawer. It will be enough to get you settled somewhere quiet.”

“That’s a lot of money,” I whisper, not comfortable talking about it.

“It’s yours, Annie.” His expression grows serious. “I need to know there is a plan in place if things don’t go my way.”

“I don’t want to talk about you dying.” I pick up a glass and drink some of the juice. “You said once we’re in Peru, we’ll spend a week in bed so you can count every freckle on my body. I’m holding you to that.”

A wide smile spreads over his face, making him look so much hotter.

Chapter 26

Rowan

When we board the private jet and take our seats, Annie looks stunned.

Before we left Luis’ compound, I had her change into a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Once we’re settled in Peru, I’m buying her a fuck-ton of dresses, though.

My eyes scan over her face, looking for any signs that she’s struggling to cope with our current situation.

She hasn’t asked anything about the items I removed from the security drawer, and once again, she keeps quiet, although I can see the questions in her eyes.

“How are you holding up?” I ask.

“Okay.” She glances around the cabin as she fastens the seat belt over her lap. “And you?”

There are two seats on either side of a small table. Annie and I are facing forward, with a leather sofa to our right.

I take hold of her hand and weave our fingers, staring at how small hers is compared to mine. “I’ll be much better once we’re in Colombia.”

The flight to Panama is around five hours, and when we touch down, the Bratva will probably be waiting.

Before we left, Luis got word they’ve been spotted all over Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama.

They’re desperate to stop me.

I think Grigori is using the hunt for me as a show of force to everyone, so he’ll be voted in as the new head of the Bratva.

It’s the only reason that makes sense for him coming so hard after me. Where it’s just a strategic move for the fucker, this is life and death for Annie and me.

We’re nothing but fucking chess pieces in his game.

I didn’t get to deal with Grigori often because he spent a lot of time between Moscow and New York, but the few times we interacted, he came across as a pit bull. Once he bites, he doesn’t let go.

I would’ve skipped all of this and gone straight to Peru, but with Annie having no passport, I’m forced to improvise, because Luis can only fly us into Panama. Any further, and the cartels might notice, and I want to stay under their radar.

Thankfully, Luis has confirmed that his contact in Colombia is waiting for us. Once we get all the necessary paperwork from him, we’ll be home free.

When we touch down on the outskirts of Panama City, we just have to get from the airfield to the yacht in one piece. No extra stops.

Annie gives my hand a squeeze. “What’s wrong?”

I turn my head to look at her, but before I can reply, the flight attendant comes toward us.

“Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

I shake my head and order, “Don’t interrupt us for two hours.”