I haven’t madeany progress when Karolina texts me two hours later.
Karolina
I need to go for a run.
Rand
Not alone.
Karolina
Why do you think I’m texting you?
I grit my teeth. I don’t want any distractions right now.
If I could, I’d lock her in her flat until I kill the fucker who sent that letter.
But she’s headstrong and independent—qualities I usually admire but are troublesome now.
She wouldn’t take it well if I tried to cage her.
Rand
I’m on my way. Don’t leave without me.
Karolina
Yes, Professor.
That’s my brave girl: flirting with me even under these stressful circumstances.
By the time we’re both dressed in our running gear and are heading to the river path, the sun is low on the horizon.
“What did your friend say?” she asks in between huffing breaths.
“He’s looking into it.” I barely keep my fake accent in place over the harsh growl.
She shoots a wary glance at me. I’m not doing a good job of appearing calm and rational.
All I can think about is eviscerating the man who wants to hurt her.
She doesn’t ask any more questions.
And I don’t have any answers to offer her.
Not yet.
I’m so distracted by my panic and fear for her that my senses are dulled. All I can do is stare at her like I’ll die if I lose sight of her.
That’s why I don’t see him coming.
Heavy footfalls slap against pavement, and suddenly, he’s on us.
I whirl to face the threat, but I’m not his target.
A black-clad form barrels into Karolina, shoving her hard to the left.
The nightmare unfolds faster than I can process what’s happening.