Page 89 of A Pawn in the Game
“No one knows about it?”
“Exactly.”
It makes sense. His massive Range Rover is definitely a standout.
Turning to the bags in the back, he digs through and takes out a pink baseball cap. He pulls it over his head and turns the key into ignition.
“Nice hat,” I say, barely suppressing a laugh. It’s so far out of his usual style, I can barely recognize him in it.
Which, now that I think about it, is surely the goal.
He glances at me and winks, looking both ridiculous and devastatingly gorgeous. Electricity buzzes through me.
“Should I have a disguise?” I ask.
“There’s a pink hoodie if you want.”
I rotate in my seat, opening the bag. Just like he said, a pale pink hoodie is right at the top. Hades licks my hand before I grab the hoodie, revealing the rest of the bag’s contents. Neatly arranged hundred-dollar bills fill every square inch of the bag, making me let out a tiny gasp.
“That’s just for a head start,” he says. “I have hidden accounts we’ll be able to access once we get settled.”
My gasp wasn’t about thinking this won’t be enough money. “This is more money than I ever saw before.” My fingertips brush the bills. They look brand new. “Where are we going, anyway?”
“A friend of mine is loaning us his private jet. So we’re going wherever we want to.” He flashes me a grin, and my lipsturn up.
I take the hoodie I’m wearing off, slipping the pink one on. “I suppose we need to get as far as possible.”
He bows his chin. “For now.”
Who knows when we’ll be back. I was already missing for two months. “Shit…” I murmur. Alex will eat herself alive.
Luka’s head turns to me, worry etched into his face. “What’s wrong?”
“Alex. She’ll think I’m dead. She probably already does.” Guilt gnaws at my stomach.
He hesitates for a second. “You know it’s dangerous to reach out. Not only for us, but for her, too.”
“I know.” My fingers fidget in my lap. “Maybe I could just leave her a note?”
“Where? Does she have a place around here?”
“No, she typically stays with me. Forget about it. You’re right. It’s risky.” My chest deflates, but he stops the car, making a three-point turn using a deserted side-alley. “What are you doing?”
“We’re leaving her a note.”
“B-but… you said…”
“I also said I want you to be happy. And your cousin, your best friend, thinking you’re dead won’t make you happy.” I swallow around the lump that formed in my throat, and he continues, “Grab the bag and see if there’s any paper inside.”
I grab the bag from the back seat and dig through the stacked bills to find a discarded flyer.Petrovic Casinos. Luka glances at me. “Is this your brother’s casino?” I ask.
“Yup, it’s where I got the money from. There should be a pen in the glove box.” Without looking, he opens the glove box. A gun inside startles me, which is ridiculous since I fired one just an hour ago. Careful not to touch it, I extract the pen.
Flattening the flyer on the dashboard, I scribble a note.
I’m okay. Use my apartment howeverlong you need. Love you.
By the time I’m done, Luka is parking in front of my building. It’s a spot reserved for deliveries, but there won’t be any of those at this time of the night. He gets out first, opens the door for me, and lands a quick kiss on my lips as I step out.
