My stomach drops at those words. “I’m sorry, what?” I rise slowly to my feet, eyes locked on his face.
The man gives me a creepy smile before stepping aside. I watch as Aleksei enters the room, his presence filling every inch of space. My shoulders tense. I move backward, eyes fixed on him like he might spring forward and snatch me.
“How–how are you here?” I stammer out despite trying hard not to show how rattled I am. How did he find me this fast? I haven’t even been gone for thirty minutes.
“You don’t get to ask questions.” He says so calmly it seals my lips shut. “Let’s go.” He tilts his head as he slides away from the door.
I’m still reeling, but I refuse to let him order me around. Clenching my fists at my sides, I press my lips together, lift my chin, and say, “I’m not going anyw
