Page 80 of Ruthless Reign

Running away would also mean breaking Kira’s heart. How could I even explain it to her? Who am I kidding? There’s truly no winning in this situation, which is why I can’t afford to fail.

On the flip side, I haven't allowed myself to think about what happens if I succeed. What I’d want my life to look like. Hopefully, after paying Anatoly back, I’ll have enough money left to continue investing and growing my income. Maybe I could even return to school for business administration or finance—a foundation for building my career.

The idea is so exhilarating that a shiver of anticipation runs through my body. Freedom. What a foreign concept—being able to do exactly what I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want.

In a perfect world, would Roman be part of my life? The answer is clear in my heart—yes, a thousand times yes—but there’s no point in entertaining that possibility. Syndicate business will always come first for him. He’s made that clear himself.

Indulging in a 'what-if' fantasy will only break my heart.

No matter how this ends, I must stay away from Roman.

It might be hard, but it will be necessary

After using the bathroom—blushing the whole time while staring at the sink ledge—I head towards the main living area, hoping to find Roman waiting for me with a steaming cup of coffee and a bare chest because I didn’t spend enough time ogling him last night.

I take a deep breath and pull my shoulders back. There’s no point in lingering in here, not when we could be enjoying our final morning together. Maybe we can hold off the real world for a little longer and make use of that giant claw-foot tub in his bathroom.

When I step into the kitchen, I’m not greeted by the sound of clinking dishes or the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Just silence.

Did he go out to grab us breakfast? Probably not, considering the attack on his life, but it’s possible he’s working out. You certainly don’t get his ripped physique without time spent in the gym.

I wander through the rooms of his penthouse, first coming across an impressive home theater and a cozy library. When I finally reach the gym, the door is open, letting in a soft morning light, but once again, it’s empty.

A weight presses down on my chest. What did I expect? That he’d wake me up with breakfast in bed and poetry? I’m being silly. I told him this could only be a one-time thing—of course he left without saying goodbye. He probably thought it was easier this way, and frankly, he’s right.

It still hurts, though.

I trudge back to the living room, knowing I can’t put off the inevitable any longer. I need to turn on my phone and deal with the outside world.

My clutch is on the side table, where I left it last night. Sinking down onto the sofa, I open the shiny leather purse only to find it nearly empty. There’s no phone inside, only a single handwritten letter.

Good morning, milaya,

I’m sorry to disappear so early. Trust me, if I had a choice, I’d be buried between your thighs all day, but duty calls.

Now, I need you to take a deep breath because you’re not going to be happy with what I’m about to tell you.

You’re locked inside the penthouse. There are guards outside the door and in front of all the entrances to the building. I also took your phone.

You’re probably cursing my name right now, but I promise all of this is to keep you safe.

We don’t know who attacked us last night. I was likely the target, but I don’t know that for sure. Until I get some answers, staying with me is the best option.

Hate me all you want, but know that I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you each and every time.

I’ll be back home as soon as I can. The kitchen is stocked with food, so help yourself. Wander around, snoop through my drawers, and find something in my closet to wear. I bet you’ll look damn hot in my clothes.

Roman xo

What?! He locked me in his penthouse?

I try to throw the note across the room, but when it only flutters to the floor, I stomp on it with my foot. Then I pick it up and rip it into a million different pieces.

I appreciate that Roman wants to keep me safe, but it would've been nice for him to have checked with me first. Now, I can't contact anyone and they can't contact me, and I have no idea when he’s coming back.

Will my family worry? Will Anatoly be angry?

It’s possible they’ll think I was abducted or something bad happened to me, but that’s no better.

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