We exchange one last glance over his shoulder. There’s worry knitted all over Maksim’s tattooed face. Second-guessing, third-guessing. He really doesn’t want to do this, I realize.
And as he drives away into the night with her, I finally let out every breath I’d been holding.
“Congratulations,” Brad says, too close for comfort. “You’ve saved your little friend.”
I’ve saved everyone, actually. From you. “A happy bonus.”
“You always were such a good actress.”
His words make me freeze. But I know Brad’s anger, and he doesn’t look angry. If anything, I’d say he’s… impressed.
“I wasn’t acting,” I say. “I meant it.”
“Hmm. We’ll see.” He starts trailing a finger down my neck. The contact makes me shiver with horror. “Now… whatever shallI do with you?”
I wake up to icy water splashing my f
