Page 186 of Sexting the Boss

I blink hard, trying to chase away the tears that sting at the corners of my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, one hand still cradling my stomach. “I should’ve told you. About the baby. About everything.”

My voice cracks. My chest twists.

“But please…don’t come. Stay away. Please just be okay.”

There’s no answer.

Just the buzz of the lantern. The distant sound of wind shaking the trees.

I sit there for a while, whispering prayers to no one, my hand resting protectively over my stomach. I don’t even know what time it is. The light from the lantern is starting to dim, casting long shadows on the peeling wooden walls of the shed.

The air feels colder now.

I shift on the cot, reaching down—out of habit—toward the pocket of my coat.

Empty.

I pat down the other side. Still nothing.

A knot tightens in my chest.

My bag.

My phone.

I scramble off the cot, running to the far corner where I remember Roman tossing my things in the back of the car—but there’s nothing here. Nothing except that goddamn bottle of water still lying sideways on the floor, like it’s mocking me.

My chest heaves as it hits me.

My phone isn’t here.

My fingers grip my coat tighter. Dread climbs up my spine like cold, skeletal fingers. My throat goes dry.

They took it. What are they going to do with it?

32

DAMIEN

My phone buzzes once.

Sasha’s number.

My heart lurches as I open the message without thinking, already moving to stand, already hoping—praying—that it’s her. That it’s something. That it means she’s alive.

Come and get your printsessa

A set of coordinates follows.

I go cold.

Nina sees my face shift and steps closer. “What is it?”

I turn the screen toward her, jaw clenched. “It’s from her number. Coordinates. Someone wants me to come.”

“That’s a trap,” she says immediately. “He’s taunting you.”

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