Page 142 of Sweet Deception

“I want to go home,” I said instead.

She straightened and called her men to escort me out.

I didn’t know if she would still try to harm Gleb, but I prayed she wouldn’t. I prayed she wouldn’t get the chance.

Valentina was evil, but she wouldn’t win.

The car pulled up outside Gleb’s estate, and before I could fully step out, it sped off.

I walked inside, barely acknowledging the security guards as they saluted me.

Useless.

Fifteen men had followed me out, yet I had been easily taken. What was the point of security if they couldn’t even protect me?

As soon as I reached the hallway, Zoya appeared, her eyes wide with concern.

“Oh my God,” she breathed, hurrying toward me. “Are you okay?”

“No,” I said bluntly. “Valentina kidnapped me. Again.”

Zoya sucked in a breath. “That woman is insane.”

“She’s evil,” I muttered, exhaustion settling deep into my bones. “I don’t know what deal she’s trying to make with my family, but she’s determined to send me back.”

Zoya’s face hardened. “She won’t have another chance. She got lucky twice, but Gleb will...”

“I already know that,” I cut in.

Zoya exhaled sharply. “I warned you about Nate’s hotel. You acted naively by going there.”

I sighed, pressing a hand to my forehead. “Zoya, please. Not now.” My voice came out tired, barely above a whisper. “I know I screwed up. I don’t need a lecture.”

She crossed her arms. “I just hope next time you think before acting. Otherwise, no matter how much protection Gleb gives you, you’ll find a way to ruin it with your recklessness.”

My patience snapped. We all make mistakes. Why is she acting like she never has?

“Leave me.”

Zoya’s lips parted slightly, but then she nodded, turned and walked away.

***

I sat on a bench at the back of the house, close to the pool, letting the night air cool my skin.

I needed time to think.

Footsteps approached behind me. I turned just as Gleb stepped into view.

His expression was unreadable, but his fists were clenched. He was furious.

He exhaled through his nose, barely restraining his rage. “I told you I would send nurses to check on Nate. Why did you have to go?”

I sighed. “First, Zoya scolds me. Now you?” I rubbed my temples. “I get it. I made a mistake. I’ll be more careful next time.”

He paced a few steps away, rubbing a hand over his face. Still furious. Then he exhaled sharply. “Why did Grandma let you leave?”

“I played smart.”