Page 61 of Revenge

“I’ll help you pack,” Lisa says. I stand and walk to the bedroom. “It’s going to be okay.” She tries to comfort me.

“I don’t know anymore.” I take a breath. “If it’s okay with you, I want to keep my things and bedroom here. I’ll continue to cover my half of the expenses.”

“Of course you can keep your things here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Thanks.” I grab a carry-on and pack the essentials.

A million thoughts cross my mind. How did Viktor find out? Did Tina tell him? She wouldn’t. I know Oliver didn’t. If Oliver were going to, Viktor would have been here long ago. But I guess it doesn’t matter. The cat’s out of the bag. Viktor knows I’m pregnant, and there is no going back now. He is never going to walk away from me.

“Do you need help with anything?” Max asks from my bedroom door.

“No. I’m done.” I zip the carry-on.

“Let me.” He grabs it before I can move it to the floor.

“Thanks. Lisa, please don’t tell anyone where I’m going.”

“I don’t exactly know where you’re going,” she says and laughs.

“Right. Good point.” I can’t help myself and laugh.

“But don’t worry. My lips are sealed. I just want you to take care of yourself and the baby,” she smiles.

“I will.” I give her a quick hug, not wanting to stay any longer and risk Viktor walking back through the door. He is a man of his word.

“Call or text when you reach your destination.”

“I will, promise.”

“You’re doing the right thing,” Max says as we head downstairs. “Everything will be fine. I’m here. You aren’t alone.”

I smile. “You’re a wonderful friend, Max. Thank you.”

As I walk down the stairs, with his help, I become nervous. What if Marco is outside? If he sees me, he’ll follow me. He’ll tell Oliver or, worse, Viktor.

“What’s wrong?” Max asks at the bottom of the stairs. I can’t exactly tell him about Marco without him asking questions.

“Viktor might still be out outside.”

“Let me check.”

“There will be an SUV across the street with a guy or two inside.” He eyes me suspiciously. “He owns a big company and takes security everywhere.” I lie.

“Give me a sec.”

I walk closer to the door but stay as hidden as possible. I can’t risk Marco or Jimmy seeing me. They will ask me where I’m going. Not so much the other guys. They tend to be a little more laid back. Max comes back, no longer carrying my carry-on.

“I don’t see any SUVs parked outside or men standing around.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

We leave the building and head to his Jeep. I look around to make sure the coast is clear as Max said. I take a deep breath and get in the Jeep once I realize they are nowhere to be seen. Maybe seeing Viktor spooked them, or they went to get lunch. I glance back at the place I’ve been calling home. I would give anything for things to be different.

“It will take us a few hours to reach the cabin,” Max says as I buckle myself in.

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