Page 31 of Beautiful Beast

She doesn’t answer.

I call her again, and this time, I leave a message. “Nadia, it’s Anya. I’m calling from Erik’s phone. Next time, pick up.”

I try her again, and still, she doesn’t answer. I check the time—it’s only 8 p.m. It’s too early for her to be in bed yet. She usually spends her time in her room reading, so I know she can hear her phone.

So, why isn’t she answering?

I call again and again, and not once does she answer.

Something’s wrong. I feel it in my gut. Our father will hurt her if he hasn’t already. I need to get to Nadia and save her before he can do irreparable damage to her.

The last thing I want to do is ask Erik for help, but he’s all I have, and I have to try.

I go back to his office and wait for him to look up at me.

“Yes?”

“I think something’s wrong. My sister is not answering. Can we go over there to check on her and see if she’s all right?”

“You and me?”

“Well, I know you won’t let me go by myself, and I’m trying to behave. So, I’m asking. Can you take me to my father’s house? I need to see Nadia.”

“Anya, you’ve been away from her for less than a day. It’s only been a few hours. I’m sure she’s fine.”

“You don’t understand!”

“Then enlighten me.”

This is the moment I could tell him about my father’s abuse. But my father would be furious if Erik found out, and it would only end up hurting Nadia more.

“It’s nothing,” I grumble.

“You’re lying to me again.”

“I just want to see her. Please.”

“Begging does not become you.” He turns back to his computer. “I have work to do. If you want to see her, we can go tomorrow.”

I’m not sure I can wait all night to know if she’s ok. Not when she’s not answering her phone. Nadia would always answer. I know it.

“Fine,” I say, then leave his office, knowing full well I’m not going to wait until tomorrow.

I’m going right now to see Nadia. Erik cannot stop me.

Thankfully, my father made sure to pack my sneakers with my luggage. I’ll need comfortable shoes to escape.

One thing I noticed when coming up to Erik’s house is that he has no guards except for one near the front gate. If I can get past him, I’m free.

I leave through the front door without Erik even noticing and walk as fast as I can to the front gate.

Erik’s guard is in a booth, playing on his phone. The large gate in front of me is impossible to climb with the pointy metal spikes at the top. There’s no other way out.

“Excuse me,” I say to the guard, who jumps when he sees me.

“Yes?”

“Would you mind opening the gate?”

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