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.”

we can’t count on

His thumb traced small circles on her palm. “We need to be ready to help

lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Alexei shifted on the narrow cot, making

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Chapter 168

should try to sleep too,” he said. “We both need

the bathroom

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

shower, scrubbing away

used some paper towel

grimacing. The thought of putting the same

crawl.

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

their situation.

didn’t allow for a bra, Alexei had stretched out on the cot, his long frame

he asked as she hesitated beside the

She gestured vaguely toward the bathroom. “I, uh, washed out my underwear.

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

and the dress. Alexei reached for her, pulling her down to rest against him. She tensed momentarily, then relaxed as he settled her

around her.

asked, his voice low in her

how okay it

through his chest. “Practical as

Despite everything, the danger, the uncertainty, the

the gala?” he asked suddenly, his voice

head slightly,

scared,” she admitted after a

“Of me?”

She gestured between them, though he probably couldn’t see

hand moved to her hair, fingers tangling gently in the

arms in a dirty dress with no underwear on.” She gave a

“That’s not an answer.”

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TA AU

Chapter 168

spent so long pushing people away that I’m not sure remember how to let someone in. I scare

I see you for who

refreshing that is.”

don’t take my

“That’s different.”

“Or is it just that being here, like this, strips away all the

we tell ourselves why something

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