Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Nightfall brought a chill that seeped through the warehouse walls. Alexei’s eyes had closed again, his body’s desperate attempt to heat kref stealing his consciousness in waves. Hours passed with nothing but silence beyond their prison.

Keira wrapped her arms around herself, shivering slightly as she watched the square of night sky through the high window. The room had darkened to the point where Alexei’s face was just a pale oval in the gloom. She had turned out the light which hadn’t been great in this com and turned on the bathroom light. Giving them just enough light to get to the bathroom to use the toilet if needed.

Her stomach growled, reminding her that the meager dinner they’d been provided hadn’t been nearly enough. They now had more water af

least.

A metallic clank outside their door made her jump. She held her breath, listening as footsteps approached, then receded again. The kidnappers were still there, patrolling perhaps, but not interested in checking on their captives.

When Alexei finally stirred again, it was well past midnight.

“How long was I out?” he asked, his voice rough from sleep.

“A few hours.” Keira moved closer to him on the cot. “How’s your head?”

He pressed his fingers gingerly to his temple. “Better. Still hurts, but I’m thinking clearer and my head isn’t pounding now.”

“That’s something at least.”

Silence settled between them again, comfortable despite their circumstances. The distant sound of a door opening and closing echoed

through the warehouse, why was everything so much louder at night?

“They’re still here,” Alexei observed.

“Some of them. I’ve heard movement a few times.” She pulled her knees to her chest. “I think they’re taking shifts, because cars have come and gone.”

“Smart.” He sat up straighter, wincing slightly. “We should wait until morning.”

“For what?”

“To try anything. If we’re going to attempt an escape, we need to be at our best. And more people might be around.”

Keira nodded, relieved by his decision. “I was thinking the same thing. By morning you’ll be stronger, and we’ll have a better chance of seeing

what we’re doing.”

“And by then, if no one’s found us…” He let the implication hang in the air.

“They’re looking for us,” she said firmly. “Blair, Sutton, Roman, Luca–they won’t stop until they find us.”

“I know.” His hand found hers in the darkness, squeezing gently. “My father, too. Between all of them, there’s a good chance they’re close

already.”

can’t count

palm. “We

their own thoughts. Eventually,

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Chapter 168

should try to sleep too,”

use the bathroom

bathroom. Inside, she took care of business quickly, then used the sink, staring at

shower, scrubbing away

used some paper towel

grimacing. The thought of putting the same pair

crawl.

to dry on some paper towels. It wasn’t like Alexei hadn’t seen women’s underwear before…just not

their situation.

she returned to the main room, wearing only her dirty dress because the dress didn’t allow for a bra, Alexei had stretched out on the cot,

he asked as she hesitated

She gestured vaguely toward the

was surprised or amused, he didn’t show it. He simply nodded.

Alexei reached for her, pulling her down to rest against him. She tensed momentarily, then relaxed as he settled her head on his shoulder, his

around her.

he asked, his voice low in her

by how okay

chuckle vibrated through his chest. “Practical as

silence, their bodies gradually relaxing against each other. Despite everything, the danger, the uncertainty, the fear Keira

the gala?” he asked suddenly, his

her off guard. She lifted her head slightly, trying

she admitted

“Of me?”

She gestured between them, though he probably couldn’t see the movement. “Of

moved to her hair, fingers tangling gently in

warehouse by kidnappers, and I’m lying in your arms in a dirty dress with no underwear on.” She

“That’s not an answer.”

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TA AU 1

Chapter 168

his shoulder. “I don’t know, Alexei. I’ve spent so long pushing people away that I’m not sure remember how to let someone in. I

you for

refreshing that is.”

don’t take my bullshit. Do you

“That’s different.”

their gentle movement through her hair. “Or is it

we tell ourselves why something won’t

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