Page 36 of Blood Heir

He lets out a broken moan, trying to gather breath. I pull off my sunglasses and squat low so he can see my face clearly.

The color drains from his face instantly. His eyes bulge wide, recognition flashing behind the panic.

“Shit…you—Miss D'Angelis…” his voice breaks entirely. “Please—”

I cut him off, smiling coldly. “Yeah, that’s right. And if Serevin finds out what you just tried to do, you won’t be guarding doors. You’ll be buried under one.”

He freezes. Sweat beads along his forehead. His shaking hand fumbles toward his belt, pulling a small ring of keys free and holding them up like an offering.

I pluck the keys from his trembling hand, sliding my sunglasses back onto my face. “Good boy.”

He stares up at me as I walk away, his chest still heaving on the gravel.

The door clicks open with a sharp metallic snap. I glance back once before stepping through.

The world outside is a dry stretch of dirt road, cutting straight through nothing but dust and silence. The estate walls rise behind me like a prison I’ve just broken out of.

I place my hands on my hips and sigh. “Fuck my life.”

^^^^

The sun is merciless. My scarf sticks to my neck, sweat sliding down the back of my spine. Every step feels heavier than the last. The dusty road stretches ahead like some cruel joke that won’t end.

I curse under my breath, dragging my feet. My shirt clings to my back, my sunglasses sliding down my nose. I shove them up with one irritated finger.

“Who the hell builds a mansion in the middle of actual nowhere?” I mutter, wiping my brow.

Then—finally—movement.

A car.

A small blur on the horizon grows larger. My stomach leaps with relief as I throw my arms up, waving frantically. “Hey! Over here!” My voice cracks from dryness, but I wave harder.

The car slows, gliding toward me. As it rolls up, the tinted window begins to slide down. I lean forward, breathless. “Oh, thank heavens, good sir, can you take me to the main road?”

The window lowers fully—and my stomach drops.

Cassian.

His blank face stares back at me from behind dark lenses.

“Oh, fuck,” I whisper, already stepping back.

I spin on my heel, picking up my pace and speed-walking as if my life depends on it. The car glides forward beside me, matching my pace effortlessly.

The back window hums down, and I feel the weight of his stare before I even look.

Serevin.

Sitting there in a dark suit, not a hair out of place, watching me like he’s sizing up his next problem. His voice is calm, controlled. “How did you even think you’d get away?”

“There are cameras all around the house, mi lady,” Cassian calls from the driver’s seat, far too amused.

I clench my fists. “Fucking fantastic,” I hiss under my breath.

“Get in,” Serevin says. His tone leaves no space for negotiation.

“You’re not the boss of me.” I keep walking. The car glides beside me like a patient shadow.

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