Chapter 9
300 Words
9
Peter
I should be pleased that we outwitted the US authorities and this mini-operation went off without a hitch, but the pain in my chest is too crushing, too raw. I know this is only temporary, but I feel like someone ripped me open and tore out my beating heart.
My ptichka was crying when I left. And maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I got the sense she wasn’t overjoyed to be home—and not just because of the circumstances. The way she asked me when I’ll return for her—when, not if—and the look in her hazel eyes…
It was everything I’ve ever wanted, and I had no choice but to walk away. To set her free when every selfish instinct screamed for me to hold her tight, to chain her to me and never let her go. And above it all is the irrational fear for her safety, the terrible paranoia that something could happen to her while I’m not there. It stems from her accident, I know, but that doesn’t lessen it one bit.
I’m going to have her watched, but I won’t be nearby and that kills me.
“Are you sure about this?” Ilya asks, buckling himself into a seat next to me as our jet lifts off, the wheels folding in with a screech. “It’s not too late. We could still turn around and—”
“No.” I close my eyes and force my breathing to even out. “It’s done.”
I would give anything to keep Sara with me, but I can’t—not without destroying her and whatever chance we have at a future together.
In any case, it might be for the best that she’s nowhere near me when I do what it takes to ensure that future.
I will be back for her, but first, I must deal with Novak and Esguerra.
- Writer
