“Run for that door, honey. There’s a man there that will get you to safety.” I bring my gaze back to golden eyes.
I’m trembling as I stare up at him. This can’t be real. I blink a few times. Golden eyes looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind before his face softens and he begins to talk to me in Russian repeating for me to run for the door and meet the man and safety on the other side.
I’m afraid to get my hopes up again. Then he says the words that I dare to latch onto. “You’re safe now.”
Without letting him know that I understood him fine when he spoke English, I nod and start to crawl toward the door. Once a few feet away, I scramble to my feet and race for the exit. I’m so close.
My chest tightens as I get a foot away, I can feel the cool air coming from under the door. And then, it’s snatched away. Someone grabs my hair and pulls me back, I swing out, but I’m still dragged back.
“Where do you think you’re going, pet?” Is snarled in my ear.
I hate the name the other girls call me because Iosif allows me privileges for my help. Privileges, I snort at the thought. They are jealous over nothing.
I’m spun around to find Nikita, one of Iosif’s right hands, sitting on the concrete bleeding out from his side. He looks up at me with wild blue eyes. He swallows hard and waves his gun at me to come closer.
“They’re waiting for me to come outside. If I don’t go, they will come in,” I rush out.
“You go,” he says to Sarah.
I widen my eyes as I look at her and the smug grin, she gives me. “No,” I cry out.
“You take good care of him, pet. Thanks.”
With that, she turns and runs for the door. I go to chase after her, but Nikita grunts. “Don’t.” He inhales raggedly. “Come, help me. We leave.”
Chapter 30
Night Terrors
Roni
I look up from the magazine I’m flipping through as my father steps out on the back deck and takes a seat across from me at the patio table. Before I can return my attention to the magazine, he gives me a stern look that tells me he wants to talk. I place the magazine down.
It’s not often that he gives me much of his attention. I was surprised when he invited me to make this trip with him to the Florida house. I mean, who wouldn’t be up for a trip to Miami. Although I knew this wouldn’t be some chance to bond or whatever.
“I have someone I want you to meet. I’d like you to become friends with him,” he says.
My brows shot up into my hairline. My father doesn’t involve me in his business and he hardly ever encourages relationships between me and the opposite sex. However, I don’t point this out.
It’s a chance for me to please him. Maybe dating this guy will get my father to open up to me. I look down at the magazine now resting on the table.
“Do I meet him when we return home?”
“No, he and I have business here. You will meet him tonight.”
“What’s his name?”
“Da—”
“No, no.”
I jump out of my sleep as the masculine whimpers startle me. I’m confused and lost for a moment, until there’s movement in the bed beside me. Shock, I slide back, ready to jump from the bed until I realize the thick blonde hair belongs to none other than Torque.
“Don’t touch me,” he cries out again.
Rage fills me. He’s having a nightmare of his own. Scooting closer, I touch his arm gently and give a shake.
“Torque, Torque. It’s me, Roni,” I whisper. “Wake up. You’re safe. Wake up.”
He pops out of his sleep, looking around wildly. When his blue eyes settle on me, I give him an awkward smile. He flings himself at me and I stiffen at first, surprised and unsure of what to do.
The kid needs to feel safe, so I swallow and wrap my arms around him. The hug is as awkward as my smile. He rests his head on my shoulder.
“I’ve been having nightmares more often,” he says. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be alone and you went to bed early tonight.”
“It’s okay.”
After Nate wouldn’t allow me to go help, I came to my room and thought I’d take nap or something. Apparently, my nap turned into hours. I glance over at the clock