Chapter 4

A long moment passes before I move.

I set Roman's phone back on the coffee table exactly where I found it. I dry my face.

Then I pull out my own phone and dial a number I've been holding onto for a long time. I never knew why I'd kept it until now.

"I have a deal for you. Guaranteed. One billion."

"What kind of deal?"

"In three days, I need you to kidnap me."

I look down at my stomach, and my voice comes out flat.

"Roman will pay whatever you ask. You have my word."

I hang up.

The door opens behind me.

Roman is drunk, unsteady on his feet, one hand catching the doorframe before he crosses to me and wraps his fingers around my wrist.

"Whatever I'll pay? What is it? What did I just hear?"

I don't blink. "I found a jewelry set I wanted. The shop requires a down payment."

He pulls his black card from his pocket and pushes it into my hand.

"Pay it. Pay all of it."

He leans in close, eyes glassy, voice dropping to something soft and slurred.

"Anything you want, baby. Anything at all. You're mine and I'm yours."

He pulls me closer, hands fumbling, voice going quieter.

"My Delphine. Come here."

I go still.

He doesn't notice. His eyes are closed, head dipping toward my shoulder.

I push him onto the couch and walk out of the room without looking back.

I lie in bed all night with my eyes open.

The next morning we're in the car on the way to the photo studio when Roman's phone goes off. He takes the call, listens for ten seconds, and pulls over hard.

"There's a problem at the docks. I have to go now."

He looks at me, something close to guilt moving across his face.

"I'll send Silas to take you home. Tomorrow, I promise. Just the two of us. We'll get the photos done."

I pull my hand back. "Go. It's fine."

He leans over to kiss me.

I open the door and step out before he reaches me.

He pauses, then starts to say something.

But his phone rings again.

I watch him make his choice in under a second, already pulling back onto the road before I've taken three steps.

Silas's car arrives in under ten minutes.

I get in.

My phone buzzes as the door closes.

A photo from a number I don't recognize.

Delphine is wearing my wedding dress, the custom one I spent weeks choosing, straddling Roman's lap.

His hand is at her waist, his mouth pressed to the rose-shaped birthmark on her right shoulder, and the look on his face is one I've never seen him give me.

Underneath it is a voice message. My thumb moves before I think to stop it.

"The only way I get through it is if I close my eyes and imagine you. My Delphine. I miss you. Come take care of me."

The car is completely silent.

Then Silas laughs. Short and cold.

I look up.

Outside the window, nothing is familiar.

This is not the way home.

"Silas. What are you doing?"

The car stops hard.

I lunge for the other door.

Silas is faster. His hand closes around my ankle and he drags me out onto the ground.

I hit the pavement, pain shooting through my entire body.

"I'm carrying Roman's child. Do you have any idea what he'll do to you?"

A laugh comes from behind me. High and sharp.