TITLE:RUNAWAY BRIDE

Chapter 14: NOT SAFE ANYMORE

"Pack a bag," Alex said. No emotion. Just orders.

"What? Where are we going?"

"Somewhere he can’t find you," Alex was already calling his assistant. "Private jet. 30 minutes."

I stood frozen. "You just told me the truth. That you care. And now you want to send me away?"

Alex hung up. He looked at me and for once he didn’t hide it.

Fear.

"I care," he said. "That’s why you have to go. If he’s willing to break into my house with guards and guns, he’s not going to stop."

"So what, I just disappear again?" My voice cracked. "Run forever?"

"No," Alex stepped closer. "You go to my private island. No flights in or out without my approval. 24/7 security. You stay there until I deal with him."

"Deal with him how?"

Alex’s jaw ticked. "The way it needs to be dealt with."

The way he said it made my stomach drop.

The car ride to the airport was silent. Guards everywhere.

At the jet, Alex walked me to the stairs but didn’t follow.

"You’re not coming?" I asked.

"I have a board meeting," he said. "And then I have Daniel to handle."

"Alex—"

"I’ll call you," he cut me off. "Every day. Promise."

I climbed the stairs. Turned back one last time.

Alex was standing there in his suit, hands in pockets. Looking like the cold CEO again.

But his eyes... his eyes looked like he was losing something.

The door closed.

As the jet took off, my phone buzzed.

Unknown number.

*Run all you want, Lily. I’ll always find you. Love, D.*

I threw the phone across the cabin and broke down.

Not safe. Nowhere is safe.