Yara hesitates. Then, slowly, she leans into her my embrace.
"I'll try, Mama," she whispers.
I kiss the top of her head, a bittersweet ache in my heart. It's a start. This time, I will not fail my little girl.
I hold Yara for a long moment, taking comfort in the familiar scent of my daughter's hair. I know this reprieve is only temporary. We're safe for this very moment in this palatial mansion, locked away in a bedroom. But soon we'll have to face the bleak reality of our situation.
But I push those thoughts away, determined to savor this moment. Right now, it's just the two of us. Mother and daughter. A sacred bond that no one can break.
Finally she pulls back, her expression serious. "What will we do about Mr. Agent Morello? If Gerald finds out..."
I nod grimly. Yara has acted rashly, contacting Morello behind my back. But we're out of options and I can't blame her in the slightest.
She did what I wasn't brave enough to do.
"We'll meet with him. Discreetly," I say. "He has the most chance of being able to help us get away safely."
A spark of hope flickers across Yara's face. Then hesitation. "But what if—"
I squeeze her hand. "No more 'what ifs,' my love," I say. "I'll handle Gerald. You just stay strong for me. Can you do that?"
After a moment, Yara lifts her chin. "I can."
Pride swells in my chest. When did my little girl grow so brave? I pull Yara close again, cherishing the trust between us.
"Then we're going to make it," I whisper. "I promise you, Yara. We're going to be free."
Chapter 29
Alina
The crystal chandelier glints coldly above the long mahogany table, failing to impart any warmth to the cavernous dining room. I keep my gaze fixed on my plate, hyperaware of Gerald's eyes boring into me from across the table.
"You both seem...distracted lately," he says, shattering the silence. "Anything you'd like to share?"
I force a smile, willing my voice to remain steady. "Just the usual. Nothing out of the ordinary." The lie tastes bitter on my tongue.
My pulse races, knowing his growing suspicion only spells more danger.
"Loyalty is so rare these days," Gerald muses over his steak tartare, feigning a casual tone. "Especially when the future is at stake."
The underlying threat in his words makes my stomach churn. He's fishing for information, suggesting he knows more than he's letting on.
I clutch Yara's hand under the table, squeezing it for reassurance. She's the only thing that matters.
I have to protect her, no matter the cost.
Gerald's gaze bores into me, as sharp and menacing as a dagger. Beneath the table, my legs tremble.
But I refuse to show weakness. He won't see me sweat.
Yara and I are trapped in his web of deception and manipulation. But I swore to myself, we will find a way out.
His charming threats don't own us. And I'll be damned if I let him hurt my daughter.
I nod, pretending to focus on the wilted salad on my plate as my mind races.
Yara and I are under constant surveillance here. Gerald's mansion is less a home than a cage. A pretty cage, but a cage nonetheless.