Page 50 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

I blink at him and then shake my head. “Sorry, lost in thought. Summer. Um… I think we might go away for a week or two. Somewhere nice and cool.”

Riley smiles. “I want to learn to ski,” she admits.

Anton nods. “You'll be a natural.” He drinks his coffee before smacking his lips. “It's nice of you guys to stop by, but honestly, I'm fine.”

“You haven't left the apartment since you got back,” I point out. “You're going to lose your mind.”

“It's not like any of us is spending much time away from our homes,” Anton says.

Riley sighs. “It's so tiresome. I wish this was all over already. I'm ready to live my life, not hide from it anymore. I'd love to go back to campus.”

“I know,” I say softly. “But it's not safe.”

“I know,” she says sadly. She finishes her coffee and sets the cup down.

“We should get going,” I set my cup down. “Behave yourself, Anton.”

“Don't do anything I wouldn’t,” Anton says with a grin.

Riley smiles and leans down and kisses his cheek. “Feel better.”

“Riley, you spoil me,” he teases.

I take her hand and lead her out. We've only been here for half an hour, but I don't want to linger too long. I lead Riley back to the car, where Martin is waiting for us. He opens the back door, and we climb in. Martin drives us back to the mansion, and Riley mentions she's going to nap. I go to my office and sit in front of my computer. I need a plan.

I rock back and forth in my chair with a sigh. I consider using the secret entrance at the back of my property to sneak out and follow them, but they know we're onto them, so they'd be watching for me. I need them to think I'm not a threat. I situp and realize what I have to do. I go to a spare bedroom where I store things in the closet. I bring down a piece of luggage and pack it with random items to make it seem heavy. I also include a disguise in what looks like my cabin bag, one I can use once I'm sure I'm no longer being followed. I don't disturb Riley. I take the luggage downstairs and tell Martin to drive me to the airport. As we make our way there, I lean forward.

“You're going to drop me off and leave. I will Uber back.”

“Yes, Sir,” Martin says.

“I need it to look as though I've completely left. Make sure the back entrance to the mansion is open. I'll come through there.” I sit back.

Martin pulls up to the airport and I get out, getting my luggage. I wheel it into the airport and go to the ticket counter for international flights. I quickly book a ticket to Russia and check in my big piece of luggage. Once done, I walk through the checkpoints until I'm through to the section of the airport where only passengers are allowed in. I go to the bathroom and change into my disguise. I pull on a grey wig of chin-length hair. I change my clothes into more rough-looking worn-out clothes. I change my shoes. I deposit the backpack in the trash and walk out with just my ticket in hand.

I go back through the checks, using various excuses that I'd forgotten something. Once out, I arrange an Uber and direct it to the street behind my mansion. While we drive, I keep looking back, making sure we're not being followed. I think it's worked. As long as they don't spot me at the house, I can pull this off. I can't tell Riley, though. I don't want to put her in danger, and I don't want her to think she can help. I'll just keep a low profile. The mansion is far enough away from the road, and obscured by trees, so no one will really see into the windows.I like my privacy. They're probably keeping an eye on the front gate to see when we come and go. The only people who know about the back entrance are Anton, me, and Martin.

I haven't even told Riley about it. It's for emergencies only.

And this is an emergency.

The Uber pulls up to a garage door and stops. I get out and wait for the Uber driver to drive off before I open the garage and go in, shutting it behind me and locking it. I walk around a sedan and I get rid of the disguise. I don't want Riley to see it. I walk back to the housekeeping, out of sight. I enter through the back entrance and go up to my office, sitting down as Riley comes in.

“Where were you? I was in here earlier and you were gone,” she says.

“I went to go sort out some work.” I get up and kiss her softly. “Are you hungry?”

“Not yet.” She hugs me tightly. “Maybe later.”

I stroke her head softly and nod. Riley lets go of me and goes to her desk, powering up her laptop. “I am waiting on one more result to see if I am back to straight 'A's.”

I smile. “I'm sure you got it. You've worked so hard to catch up.”

“You have so much faith in me,” Riley says with a warm smile.

“Well, you're easy to have faith in. You're amazing. I'm going to have to go out a few times this week. I want you to stay home and stay safe.”

“Where are you going to go?” Riley asks.

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