Page 19

CHAPTER 18

ANASTASIA

I did it. I actually got married to someone who isn’t Ivan.

But who is Mikhail?

I don’t even know what he looks like. I just know how he makes me feel.

Safe. Protected. Wanted.

That’s better than most of my life.

“Where are we going?” This dress isn’t comfortable for sitting, I can barely breathe.

He pushes against the steering wheel and digs in his pants pocket. “Somewhere private and safe.”

Using his knee to guide us, he turns and reaches out for my hand, then threads the ring onto my finger. “I thee wed.” He winks one of his walnut colored eyes before taking control of the truck again.

I don’t know why, but with the soft pink gem and silver ring, it makes the whole insane thing feel more real.

The vehicle slows, then he pulls it to a stop in a wide clearing. “I need to see if they’re following us. It’s too overgrown for the drone to get a good view.”

“Wait.” I hold up my palm as he climbs out. “How much longer is the drive?” I don’t think I can handle much more of this bumpy road in this gown. I feel like I’m suffocating.

His eyes narrow. “Two or three hours. Not long. Stay here. I’ll be back.”

“What? That’s forever! Is there anywhere closer?” I stick out my lower lip. Maybe that will entice him to a better location.

Now that I’m a ‘Mrs’, I kinda want to see what he’s hiding.

His finger comes to a sharp point. “Stay. Here.”

“Fine.” I slump against the seat. I just want to get to where we’re going.

But I know he needs to make sure we’re safe. It’s both a turn on, and frustrating.

This dress is just so damn uncomfortable, and I have to pee.

The cab starts to cool, bringing goosebumps to my bare arms.

I hope he’s okay?

Five more minutes.

Geez, where is he? I’m bouncing in the seat from a full bladder, running my palms over my shoulders.

No, screw this.

I jump out of the truck and dig into the back to see if there’s anything I can use.

At least there’s some paper towels and a few bottles of water so I can finally find some relief from all the coffee I drank this morning.

Sitting back in the chilly passenger’s seat is boring. He’s been gone forever.

Where the heck is he?

My fingers are getting cold. And, of course, he has the keys.

Maybe I can find him, get them to warm up?

Yes, I like that idea.

The frost hangs heavy on the trees, but it sparkles in the mid-morning sun. It’s much nicer out here than the dreary apartment I lived in with Mom.

God, that hurts to think about her.

I should stay off the road, in case Ivan’s men come through.

What was that noise?

Hurrying to a thick clump of bushes, I squat down to watch. It might be a deer.

Or a bear.

Oh shit, what if it’s a bear?

I should get back to the car.

Just as I stand, a thick hand lashes out and grabs me roughly around the wrist.

Flipping on my heel, I’m caught staring up into my husband’s masked face. His dark eyes are pinpricks as he glares at me.

“I thought—” He takes a deep breath. “—I told you to stay at the fucking truck? ”