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So I smile and try to swallow my fears.

This afternoon, I’m outside with Mae. We’re a little further from the house today. Mae was tired of being cooped up, so I took her down one of the paths on her bike.

The sky is a beautiful blue and the sunlight slants through the trees. Mae is giggling about something as she rides and I feel myself relax.

Until I hear my name.

“Anoush.”

I turn my head quickly. There’s a man standing not far away. I don’t recognize him, but that doesn’t matter. Anyone who calls me Anoush is here to harm me. Or maybe Mae.

My heart hammers in my chest. “Mae. Go to the house.” She’s too busy enjoying the day to pay me any mind.

The man moves toward us.

“Mae.” My voice is sharp. It’s not my usual tone and this time she hears me immediately. “Run to the house. Now.”

She drops her bike mid-pedal and takes off at a sprint. Her little arms pumping, curls flying. I don’t look away until she’s out of view, past the last bend of the trail.

Then I turn back.

He’s closer now. So much closer. My stomach seizes.

I take a step back, heart hammering so hard I can feel it in my fingertips. I don’t run. Not yet. I need to know first that Mae is inside and safe. I just plant my feet and pray one of the guys will hear me if I scream.

“You’ve caused a lot of trouble,” he says. His tone is casual, but I know better. “Davit’s getting tired of waiting. It’s time for you to come back.”

I don’t answer.

“You think they’ll keep you safe?” His gaze flicks toward the house. “These men you’re playing house with?”

I try to control my shaking limbs.

“They’ll bleed for you,” he goes on. “Davit will make sure of it.”

Bile rises in my throat. I swallow it down and keep my voice steady. “You need to leave.”

He reaches for my arm, and the moment his fingers brush my jacket, something inside me detonates.

I jerk back with a quick intake of breath and swing hard—my fist making contact with his jaw. He doesn’t flinch, but his fake smile fades immediately.

He lunges forward again, reaching for my arms. I open my mouth to scream?—

But before I can, gunshot cracks the air.

The sound tears through the woods, so loud and sudden it reverberates through my body.

“Step back. Now. Before I put a bullet through your head.”

Boone’s voice comes behind me.

Davit’s man lifts both hands in a slow show of submission, then takes two steps back. He’s smart enough to know when he’s been beaten. He turns and walks quickly back into the trees.

I don’t move.

My legs don’t work.

My knees hit the ground hard, jarring up into my hips.