Page 20 of Beneath Scarred Vows

I listen at the bedroom door for a moment, then slip into the hallway. Living with my uncle taught me how to move silently, how to make myself invisible, sneak in and out without raising alarms.

I reach the grand staircase and descend quickly, listening for any sign of staff. When I reach the ground floor, I pause, holding my breath. Nothing. I move toward the front of the house, keeping close to the wall.

I remember walking in and seeing the hooks with the keys by the front door, so that's where I'm headed.

I run my hands over the several sets of car keys hanging neatly, labeled. I take one without thinking too much about it—a silver key fob.

Ares has so many cars, surely he won't notice one missing for a few hours.

I slip outside. The cool night air mixed with my adrenaline makes me shake. The security booth is positioned near the gate, but there's a row of cars parked along the circular driveway. I crouch low and move between them, pressing the key fob repeatedly until I hear a soft beep and see lights flash on a sleek black Audi.

My heart pounds as I slide into the driver's seat.

I smile.

The leather is cool against my palms as I grip the steering wheel. I press a button, and the car comes to life. The dashboard lights up blue, and the heater kicks on. For a moment, I just sit there, taking in Ares's scent that comes through the vents.

I put the car in drive and move slowly down the driveway. As I approach the gate, a guard steps out from the booth, his hand raised. I lower the window and give him my most confident smile. I learned from my uncle's guards that if you talk with confidence, people tend to believe you.

"Mrs. Kastaris," he says, surprise evident in his voice. "I wasn't aware you were going out tonight."

"Last-minute errand," I reply, the lie sliding easily from my lips.

The guard hesitates, his eyes darting between me and the security booth. I can see the calculation happening behind his eyes: question the boss's new wife or let her pass?

"Excuse me, Niko, is it?" I see his name badge. "Feminine items aren't well equipped in this house. My silly husband wasn't prepared, I guess. Mr. Kastaris said it was fine. I'll be back shortly."

I look forward, watching him out of the corner of my eye. He's a statue for a few seconds and then shifts.

"Of course, ma'am. Just a moment."

He returns to the booth, and the iron gates begin to swing open. I give him a small wave as I drive through, trying to appear casual while I'm kind of freaking out that it's working.

Once past the gates, I resist the urge to floor the accelerator. Instead, I drive normally until I'm several blocks away, then pull over to catch my breath and consider where to go.

I'm not running away. I'm not stupid enough to think I could escape Ares Kastaris. This isn't an escape attempt; it's just a moment of freedom. A chance to breathe air that isn't heavy with expectation and watchful eyes.

I bring up the GPS and select the first thing I see that'll take me downtown—Navy Pier.

I pull back onto the road, heading toward the lights of downtown Chicago. The city sprawls before me, endless possibilities. I'vegone from one prison to another, my uncle's house to my husband's mansion, but tonight, just for a few hours, I'm no one's property.

I'm free, and on that note?—

I slide the windows down a bit, letting the night air rush through the car. As my hair whips around, I feel something crack open inside me. A small smile tugs at my lips as I accelerate onto the highway. The speedometer climbs—60, 70, 80—and I laugh, a sound that I don't even hear often.

Wind roars through the windows, drowning out my thoughts. Music spills from the radio, something with a heavy beat that pulses through me. I turn it up louder, letting it fill the spaces inside me that have been hollow for so long.

When I get into the city, I take the first parking spot I see near the water and grab the $100 bill I see in the cup holder.

Lucky me.

I get out and start walking along the shore.

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm actually inhabiting my body instead of floating somewhere above it, watching myself go through the motions. I feel the wind coming off the water. It's cold and fresh. I hear the cars honking, sirens in the distance. It's so loud, and yet, I love it.

I sit on a bench and stare out into the darkness.

I spread my arms and let the wind pass. I almost feel weightless. I look up at the night sky. You can't see as many stars as back in Kalamata, but the ones I do see make me smile.