Page 56

I thought about leaving Camden Hill, running even further. But I was exhausted, broke, and tired. And the truth is, this town is quiet. No one asks too many questions, and I blend in here. I’m tall, which helps hide the bump, and I wear baggy clothes whenever I can.
As far as anyone knows, I’m just Leah Carter, a tired barista saving up for community college. No one would ever guess that I’m the pregnant wife of a Bratva boss.
And that’s exactly how I need it to stay.
I adjust my apron and force myself to focus as I continue to wipe down the counter. The café is quieter now, most of the university students off cramming for midterms. Only a few people remain—an older professor reading in the corner, a couple chatting bythe pastry case, and the man at table six who nearly stopped my heart earlier.
The smell of espresso, the rhythmic sound of steaming milk, the hum of conversation—it’s predictable. Safe.
At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
I move to the back, grabbing a fresh tray of croissants to restock the display case. As I do, my phone vibrates in the pocket of my sweater.
Only two people ever text me—Maggie and Mom.
I set the tray down and slip my phone out, my stomach tensing when I see my mother’s name flash across the screen.
Mom:How’s everything there? Everything good?
I stare at the message, my grip tightening on the phone.
I quickly type back.
Me:Yes. Why?
A moment passes. Then?—
Mom:Just checking.
Just checking? That never means just checking.
I frown, staring at the message, my stomach twisting.
Ever since I left, my mother has been on edge. I know she’s afraid, but I don’t know why—or at least, I don’t know the full reason. She acts like she knows more about Mikhail than she’s telling me.
I wish she were here with me. That would make things so much easier. But it’s too risky, especially with Mikhail’s men keeping watch.
A soft sigh pulls me out of my thoughts.
I glance up to see Maggie leaning against the counter, giving me one of her looks. The kind that says she’s about to start prying.
“What?” I ask, pocketing my phone.
“You,” she says, crossing her arms. “You’ve been weird ever since I pointed out mystery guy at table six.”
I force a laugh, shaking my head. “I was just surprised, that’s all.”
Maggie narrows her eyes like she doesn’t believe me but lets it go. “Anyway, that guy just invited me to a party so I guess it’s a date.”
It’s my turn to frown. “Are you sure about that?”
“You’re starting to sound like my mother, Leah.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Just wary, that’s all.”
“His name’s Ryan—he’s some finance guy, apparently, but he’s new in town,” Maggie says.
Something about that doesn’t sit right.