Page 93 of Cruel Knots

For the day, I choose to wear a top with long, frilly sleeves and a short skirt. My ensemble is bold and colorful, a far cry from the usual pastels Callum forced me to wear. For shoes, I choose a pair of leather boots that go as high as my knees.

There’s no mirror in the tent. Despite not knowing how I look, I feel excited to be wearing the stuff I chose.

A wolf whistle sounds when I walk out of the tent. Jacky hangs onto Mikhail’s shoulder, grinning at me.

“And a butterfly has emerged,” Jacky cackles.

“She was always beautiful,” Mikhail says in a somber tone. Tearing his gaze from me, he looks toward Jacky. “I’ll pick up the rest of the stuff later.”

“Sure.”

“Give my regards to Forger,” says Mikhail.

“Will do!”

He gestures at me to follow him. I wave at Jacky and hurry after him.

On the way back to the parking area, I see Kiara. A deep frown ruins her pretty face as she glares at me.

Ignoring her, I grab Mikhail’s hand.

He looks down at me. Surprise flits through those storm-colored eyes. And suddenly, he smiles.

My heartbeat picks up at once. All thoughts of Kiara vanish from my mind as I follow him in a trance.

“Are you still missing panties?” he leans down to whisper in my ear.

My cheeks burn. “Yeah.”

“Let’s make it a no-panty day today,” he says with an easy grin.

“What?”

“Payment for all that crap I bought for you.”

“They were free!”

“Nothing’s free, Princess. Jacky’s boss owes me.”

Reaching his bike, he picks up a helmet and places it on my head. I stand still as he latches the buckle.

Getting on the bike is as awkward as before but once I’m securely settled behind him, I wrap my arms around his waist.

My excitement soars as the powerful engines come to life and soon, we’re flying down the highway.

The signposts along the road tell me we’re headed toward Ashville. A sliver of anxiety spreads through me. What if Callum sees me? Would Mikhail be able to handle such a confrontation on his own? Would my newfound freedom be snatched away just as I’m starting to enjoy it?

My thoughts keep me from enjoying the ride fully. Thankfully, the sun is starting to go down. A few hours more and we’ll be able to use the cover of night to keep prying eyes off us.

We reach downtown Ashville in another hour. Even though Callum kept a tight leash on me these past years, I’m familiar with all the shops and restaurants here.

Mikhail parks the bike and comes to stand beside me. “No running,” he warns me again. “I’d hate to punish you, Lucia.”

His cold tone is enough to put me on edge. Even if I want to use the opportunity to escape, it’ll be impossible with him so close by.

Capturing my hand, he leads me forward.

Our casual clothes allow us to blend with the crowd easily. We probably look like a young couple who’re out to enjoy an evening in the posh shopping district. No one glances at us twice.

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