Page 21 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

“Can you think of any place we could go?” I ask, racking my brain.

“Actually… my family has a place in Montauk,” she says hesitantly. “It’s pretty rustic, but it’s secure and secluded. We could hide out there for as long as we need to.”

“Montauk? That’s perfect.” Relief floods through me. “It’s the last place anyone would expect me to be. Let’s go.”

We hurry to the garage, both of us on high alert for any signs of danger.

“Thank you,” I tell her as we climb into the car, her behind the wheel. “And I’m truly sorry about all of this.”

She offers me a shy smile. “It’s okay. I’m glad that I can help.”

“Tell me more about this place in Montauk,” I say as we wind through traffic.

“It was my grandparents’ house originally,” Maria explains, her voice softening. “My sister and I spent our summers there, growing up. It’s right on the beach, surrounded by trees, and there’s an old lighthouse nearby.”

“I haven’t been to Montauk in years,” I admit, my own memories of the quaint town surfacing. “It sounds like a lovely place to escape to.”

“Under different circumstances, it would be,” Maria agrees, her mouth quirking into a small, sad smile. “I grew up there, in town. My parents don’t live there anymore, so there’s no reason for me to ever go back.”

There’s something sad in her voice. I want to pry further, but now isn’t the right time. I don’t want to bring the mood down any further.

“Once we’re there, we’ll make sure we’re safe and secure,” I say, reaching over to give her hand a gentle squeeze. “And maybe, just maybe, we can find a silver lining in all of this — some time away from the city, away from our hectic lives.”

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the fear in them is replaced by something else — a flicker of hope, perhaps, or even a glimmer of anticipation.

“Maybe we can,” she whispers, her fingers tightening around the steering wheel. And in that instant, I know that no matter what challenges we face together, we are stronger than any threat that dares to come between us.

CHAPTER 8

MARIA

“Pull up here.” Nathan points at a corner store.

I slow down the car, but don’t stop quite yet. “We should get out of the city.”

“I know, but we need some supplies. Food and toiletries.”

I hesitate, but know he’s right. “Okay, but I should go in. You’re too recognizable.”

It’s obvious that he doesn’t like what I’ve said, but he also can’t argue it. And so I park at the curb in front of the store.

“Sure. Be quick, though,” he says, glancing around nervously. “And take cash. We can’t use cards right now.” He pulls some cash from his wallet and hands it over to me.

I step out of the car and hurry into the store. My heart is pounding, not only because of the adrenaline from our sudden escape but also because I’m alone with my boss in a situation I never imagined we’d be in. I grab a basket and fill it quickly with bottled water, some snacks, and toiletries — essentials to tide us over for now.

As I make my way to the cashier, I can’t help but glance outside through the window. For a split second, I think I see one of the men who were after Nathan. I blink and look again, but he’s gone. Fear is playing tricks on me; I must be imagining things. Still, I quickly pay for the items and hurry back to the car, feeling uneasy.

“Here, let me put these away,” Nathan says as he takes the bags from me.

“You didn’t… see anyone?” I ask. “While I was in the store.”

He stares at me. “Someone like who?”

I shake my head. “Nothing. I’m just freaked out, is all.”

As I drive out of Manhattan, headed for Long Island, Nathan pulls out his phone and contacts a team of security specialists. He puts the call on speaker so I can hear both sides of the conversation as he gives he details and explains the situation.

“Listen, I need your help. Someone tried to kidnap me tonight, and my assistant and I are on the run,” he tells them urgently.

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