Page 24 of Betraying Family Vows

He nods once, slow and deliberate, as if that tells him everything he needs to know.

Then he stands, tucking the gun in his waistband. "I'll be back."

The chair scrapes across the floor as he pushes it back.

I jerk against my bindings, panic rising. "Where are you going?"

"Out."

"You're just leaving me here?" My voice rises. "Tied up? Alone?"

He pauses at the edge of the room. "Yes."

"Stay," I blurt, the word out before I can stop it. "If you're going to keep me tied up like this, at least, at least don't leave."

He looks back over his shoulder.

"You afraid of the dark now, Alepoudítsa?" he says, voice dry.

My cheeks burn. "No. But only cowards tie someone up and then run away."

His mouth twitches, almost forming a smile. "Running away? From a woman tied to a chair?"

"Seems like it," I challenge. "Afraid of what I might say if we keep talking?"

A hint of amusement flickers across his face. "You really can't stand not having my attention, can you?"

Heat flushes my cheeks. "I can't stand being left alone tied up in a strange place with a murderer on the loose."

"I'm not on the loose. I'm right here."

"You know what I mean."

He looks away. "I won't be long."

He says it like a promise. Or a threat. I can't tell which.

Then he's gone, the door closing behind him.

I sag against the ropes, trembling.

Tears come in earnest, silent and helpless, burning down my cheeks. I shake my head and give myself a pep talk.

After a few deep breaths, I realize him leaving is a good thing.

This is my chance to escape.

Time to get the hell out of here.

9

DIMITRI

Istep outside and inhale the cold night air, letting it clear my head. I cannot believe I'm here. One minute I'm at my brother's wedding, the next I'm at a safehouse I haven't been to in three years. Now more than ever, I'm just thankful we have men come around every now and then to check up on these places.

It's pitch black outside. No lights except for the stars and the moon.

I need to focus.