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“Don’t jinx it, you won’t be happy to hear the conditions of our stay,” Pierre says as he walks up to the front door.

It opens, revealing a beautifully tall woman with braids that hang past her waist. She’s wearing a bright green and blue patterned jumpsuit that looks straight out of a tropical collection, and I could see Augustus wearing a similar shirt.

I push the thought of my fake brother-in-law to the back of my head and put on my bright smile. The one I use to convince everyone that it’s all okay.

“Pierre, glad to see you all made it in one piece.”

“Thank you so much for this. I know it was last minute,” Pierre says, shaking her hand. I can’t help my brows furrowing. A handshake? That’s it? I expected them to be a lot closer since she’s holding our safety in her hands.

“It’s no problem at all, the timing was actually perfect since I was here at home. And don’t worry about the cab driver—my security team will be taking care of him.”

“Kaia, these are my sisters. Noelle and—”

“Theá,” she says, smiling at me brightly. “I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to meet all of you. I’m Kaia, a friend of Pierre’s.”

“You too.” I smile.

Heard a lot about me? For someone who doesn’t look all too comfortable around my brother, I’m surprised he decided to share so much about us.

“Please come inside.” She walks ahead, gesturing for us to follow her in.

“Kaia’s father is the president of South Africa,” Pierre elaborates as we enter the massive house. The pieces start clicking more and more; she’s the perfect person since she’d have intel and the ability to keep us hidden.

“He’s not president yet, there’s still a few more things that need to happen before he’s inaugurated, but yes, basically. I’m just glad I can use his position for good for once.” There’s a sombre tone to her voice, and I find myself sympathising with the woman in front of me even though I don’t know her.

“Consider my home yours.” She extends her arms out. “There are four bedrooms that way.” She gestures down a hall.

“That being said, you two aren’t allowed to leave this place unless you clear it with me or Kaia, and we’ve organised the correct security to escort you,” Pierre says.

“Great, from one prison to another,” Noelle says. “It’s not for long, right, Pierre?”

Pierre stays quiet. “I don’t want to get your hopes up, but it might be for a while, just until we can confirm a few things back home.”

She nods, and a heavy silence fills the room. “I’m sure Kaia has enough things in her beautiful home to keep you entertained. Besides, there’s a pool.” I point towards the glass doors that overlook an infinity pool. Noelle’s ears perk up, and she dashes towards the backyard.

“Thanks, Theá.” Pierre sighs a heavy sigh of relief. “She’s not making it easy.”

“It’s not easy. You’re expecting a twenty-one-year-old to pack up her life when she doesn’t really understand why she has to. Even I’m struggling with this all right now.”

“I know the feeling. I’ve had to pack my life up and move at a young age, too. If there’s anything I can do to make it a bit easier, let me know.” Kaia smiles. The more I hear about her, the more I’m starting to realise just how well thought out Pierre’s plan really is.

“There is one more thing,” Pierre starts, and I meet his eye. “We’re all going to need to have some pretty drastic hair transformations.”

“This is probably the best thing you could’ve said today. I know for a fact Noelle has been wanting to dye her hair, but Dad always said no. And I need some change, too!”

Chapter forty-four

Antonio

“Nino.”

The weight of my body sinks further into the soft surface below me, and I let a groan out, presuming it’s another stupid hallucination. I’ve been slipping in and out of consciousness for what feels like forever.

“Nino, please wake up.” The voice is soft and feminine. It’s familiar, but I know it’s not Theá’s.

God, I wish it was.

I crack my one eye open, and bright light takes over my vision. For a split second, I wonder if it’s that light people speak about seeing when you die. A gasp from in front of me lets me know that, unfortunately, is not the case, and I am indeed alive.