and remember where my jeans were.
“I’m not fucking around here, Chloe.” He yanked his clothes from the floor, struggling into them.
“I know. I’ll be right there.” I hadn’t packed anything like he’d requested, but clothes didn’t matter to me any longer. Getting away from the continuing danger we’d been exposed to did. I was aware he’d stormed out of the room, but I found it difficult to move quickly, my heart racing until I felt the pulse in my throat.
Move. Get it going.
I managed to slide into my jeans, yanking on the same sweater then finding my boots. There was nothing I’d purchased that mattered. I grabbed the jacket, fumbling to get into it as I raced down the stairs.
The bags he’d brought in were in the living room. He nodded as I approached then moved toward the front of the cabin, standing to the side then peering out the blinds. While there was no outward indication that the area had been breached, I could tell within seconds that his anger was off the charts.
“Fuck. This isn’t good, Chloe. I’m not going to lie to you.” Advancing, when he was finally only a few inches away, my fear elevated to utter terror. “We’re taking these bags and heading into the forest for the boat. Do you understand me?”
“Uh-huh.” Did I? Could I manage to do this?
He jerked one of the bags, yanking the zipper then handing me a flashlight. “Do not turn this on until I tell you. You can’t make any noise at all. Stay low and focused. We have one shot at this. There won’t be another.”
“Okay. I can do that.” Although a whimper had already formed in my throat, I shut my mouth and took several deep breaths.
Nodding, he squeezed my arm before tossing the bags over one shoulder and heading for the back door. My eyes accustomed to the darkness, I could clearly see the gun in his hand. He peered outside, hissing before unlocking and opening the door, motioning to me after a few seconds.
I moved toward him, determined to find the kind of strength that would allow me to get through this.
He led me outside, constantly swinging his head from one side of the yard to the other as he headed for the trees. Even though there was a slender moon, the darkness was oppressive, keeping my nerves on edge.
We moved quickly, heading into the dense forest. Within seconds, I almost tripped over the underbrush, but managed to keep from falling. At least I hadn’t made a single sound, although I had to wonder whether my hammering heart could be heard from a distance.
Nikolai kept us going in the dark for several minutes, finally stopping. After a few seconds, he shifted in my direction. “Okay. Keep the flashlight pointed ahead of us. If you hear anything, turn it off immediately. Got it?”
“Got it.” My hand shaking, I flipped the switch, grateful for a warm glow of light guiding our way. We continued forward and I struggled to avoid the fallen limbs, constantly listening for any sounds indicating they’d found us. We had to be approaching the clearing. It seemed like we’d been trekking through the woods for a full half hour. When the light caught an opening, I breathed a sigh of relief. We might make it after all.
Without breaking his stride, he headed for the stored boat, immediately starting to drag it away from the clump of trees where he’d hidden it. Refusing to allow him to perform the task alone, I sucked in my breath and raced to help him. Together, we managed to drag it toward the edge of the river. Now, the rushing sound of water seemed more oppressive than it had been before.
“Take one of the bags and climb inside,” he commanded in a hoarse whisper.
I did as he asked, navigating the rocks more difficult than I’d thought. When I was finally inside, he handed me the other two bags then shoved the boat further into the water. Almost immediately the current caught it, pulling the boat away from the area quickly. Panic rushed into my system, a cry threatening to bubble to the surface.
There was no hesitation. Nikolai slipped into the water, managing to snag the rim of the vessel within seconds and hoisting himself on board.
That’s the exact moment it seemed all hell broke loose.
Voices.
They were close, the words clearly said in Russian. Then there was light, several powerful flashlights shifting from one side to the other.
“Damn