Page 42 of Ruthless Vow

Still no answer. I knock on the door, then jiggle the handle to try and get someone’s attention.

To my shock, the door swings open.

I stand there for at least a full minute, confused. Then I step out into the hallway and look both ways. There’s no one here.

Is this a trap? A test? Like when Leo expected me to take his gun?

Instinct demands that I ask no questions and just go.

Who am I to argue with instinct?

I slink along the hallway, hugging the wall, checking the corners for cameras or any threat. At the end of the hall is a door that leads to a staircase. I go up. I can’t be certain that’s the right direction, but it makes more sense to have a windowless holding cell in a basement rather than on a higher floor.

Turns out I was right. The metal door at the top of the staircase opens to a vast, empty warehouse. At the far end is anoffice with a large window overlooking the space. Someone is sitting in the office, their back to me.

From where I stand, I see three marked exits. I don’t head for the one closest to me because if the person sitting in the office turns their head even a little, they’ll see me. Instead, I go low and creep across the floor toward the exit to the left of the office, the one in the window’s blind spot.

There’s a security camera in the corner, but I don’t see an LED light flashing near the lens, which suggests it might not be turned on or recording. I don’t really care if Leo watches my escape later, but I don’t want the person in the office to see me leave on the monitor.

I freeze for a second. Then I run for the door.

And then I’m outside the building, running hard for the street.

14

Nicole

A million thoughtscourse through my mind about what to do, where to go. I don’t have my phone. I don’t have my purse or wallet. I have nothing except the clothes on my back.

To say I’m having some conflicted emotions about my current situation, given what just fucking happened with Leo, would be a monumental understatement.

Why did I tell him about Sofia? Why did I trust him?

Because he doesn’t lie. When he said he would help me, he was telling the truth.

But if life has taught me anything, it’s that the only person you can truly rely on is yourself.

If Leo can keep his promise to me and advance his own interests at the same time, then he’ll help me. But if helping me goes against his agenda, he’ll definitely push his own interests.

I need to find my aunt. Sofia’s life depends on it.

Everything I had at the motel is gone: ID, money, my weapon.

But I am a resourceful girl, one who plans in advance. I had my aunt’s people store a bag for me at a facility near Huntridge Park with new ID, money, a phone, and a weapon. There’sa second bag stored near the Mob Museum downtown. The lockers have code-based access. I just need to get to one of those locations.

A plane flies overhead as I look for a street sign. Rainbow Blvd. I’m near the North Las Vegas Airport. It’ll take me about three hours to walk to the Mob Museum. Longer to get to Huntridge Park.

Mob Museum it is.

I start walking. It’s hot, but there’s a shiver inside of me that quickly extends to every limb. Fear, uncertainty, doubt, and mind-blowing orgasms will mess anyone up, mentally and physically. Especially when they happen all at once.

I walk past a wall of windows and freeze when I see a woman reflected there. I spin, but there’s no one else near me. I’m alone. I almost laugh when I realize the reflection is me. There was no mirror in my holding cell. This is the first time I’ve seen myself in days. No glasses. Hair wild and shaggy. Cargo pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt that follow the lines of my body.

Such small changes, and for a second, I hadn’t realized I was looking at myself.

Small changes on the outside. But what about the changes on the inside?

I swallow and shove those thoughts to the back of my mind as I keep walking.

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