Page 33 of Kristoff

The question catches me off guard, but I quickly recover.

“I’m not going to take over my father’s business.” It’s not a lie. I’m not. I have other ventures that will make me just as much money.

“Hmm.” She sips her water.

She doesn’t believe me. Fine. She’s getting me off topic anyway, and I need to get this going or everything I have planned will be delayed.

“Have you thought about how my father’s men knew where you were? And who you were?”

“They thought I was my sister,” she shrugs.

“How’d they know where you were?”

“I don’t know,” she sounds annoyed with my questions. I can see the fatigue in her eyes, but I have to get this done before she can nap.

“Danuta isn’t coming to save you, Magdalena.”

A dark cloud crosses her expression. “I already know that.” She drops the spoon onto the tray.

My phone dings seven times in secession. I check the messages. Things are falling into place. Good.

“I’m going to move you from my room. I have a man coming who’s going to take you to a safe place. You have to stay with him until I come for you, okay? You can’t try to escape, and you can’t go with anyone else. Do you understand that?”

She shakes her head. Of course, she doesn’t understand.

I leave the table and bring her a pile of clothes. Some leggings and a sweater I snagged from Tricia.

“Clothes?” she asks like I’m offering her a million-dollar security bond.

“Yes. You’re back and ass will still be a bit tender, but I can’t have you walking around naked now.” I try to smile, but the fear in her eyes kills my attempt at levity.

“You’re sending me away. Does that mean the sale will happen now?” Her voice is shaking. How many times have I heard the same tremor and ignored it?

I deserve the hell I’m destined for.

“Magdalena, I told you. You aren’t being sold. You’re staying with me, but for right now I need you to go with Carlos. He’s going to keep you safe for me until I come get you.”

She blinks. “No.”

“No?” I can’t help the sharpness of my tone. She’s back to defying me again. While a good sign, still irritating.

“No. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going with Carlos or your father or anyone else. I’m staying right fucking here.” She slams her hand on the table and stands up.

“Magdalena, I need you to listen to me now. No fucking around. You have to do exactly as I say.” My phone chimes again. He’s early, but I can’t argue with the time. I trust Carlos. He’s the only one I can now. My father’s men - my men - could turn on me for this. I can’t chance her safety.

“Who is he?” she asks, folding her arms over her chest.

“What?” I want to shake her; doesn’t she understand how much time we don’t have?

“Who is he?” she parrots herself.

“A man I’ve known for a very long time. He’s loyal only to me.” Well, and his own family who would gladly slit my father’s throat if given the chance. But we don't have time for all the particulars.

“I don’t want him touching me.” The demand is still there, lingering with the twinge of fear, but I know her little tells. And she’s avoiding my eyes, she’s staring at my chin again. She’s terrified.

“He won’t,” I promise. He might have to if she freaks out and tries to run, but I’m keeping that information to myself.

She stares at me, at the pile of clothes in my hands and after a long moment she nods and takes them from me. I try to help her, but she swats my hands away.

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