6

AURORA'S POV

"I have nothing."

The words have a defeat-tasting flavor. I was reminded of how deeply Cassian's influence extends by the sharp edge of a blade pushing on my neck.

Sienna lets out a breath and runs a hand over her wet locks. "Oh no, Aurora."

"I was unaware," I mumble. "I considered..."

That I still had my own possessions. that I hadn't been totally obliterated by Cassian.

However, the reality is oppressive. His name is on every dollar I've ever had. My accounts. My resources. My whole life.

Sienna mutters obscenities as she paces the small hotel room. "All right. Okay. We can resolve this.

I give a headshake. "How? I'm sure he's already keeping an eye on me. He will be able to pinpoint my location if I attempt to access anything.

Her piercing brown eyes contact me as she pauses. Then we prevent him from following you. We go underground.

I let out a sour chuckle. "And what do you do? Pregnant with the kid of a millionaire and working for crumbs at a diner?

"Yes, if it entails leaving." She grasps my hands as she crouchs in front of me. "Listen to me, Aurora. You're in a cage. It was a cage, indeed, but a gilded one. You have two options: either break free or sit pretty and wait for your spouse to pull you back to his mansion.

Release yourself.

I delicately place a palm over the barely noticeable curvature of my stomach as I look down at it.

It's not just about me here.

I had to go. prior to Cassian's arrival. Prior to it being too late.

I take a deep breath. "I need to change who I am."

Sienna smiles. "You're thinking now."

I feel anxiety, yet her confidence is comforting. Obtaining fictitious papers and going missing entirely are things I never thought I would do.

If Cassian discovers me—

I suppress my dread. I have no other option.

Sienna gets up. "I know a man. It won't be inexpensive.

I stifle a chuckle devoid of humor. "I'm lucky to have so much cash on hand."

She stops and bites her lip. "There may be an alternative."

I scowl. "What do you mean?"

"Holt, Bastian."

I get chills just thinking about the term.

The old best buddy of Cassian. Now his adversary.

I give a headshake. "No, absolutely not."

Sienna's arms are folded. "He has the means to make you vanish. He also despises defeat, in contrast to Cassian.

He despises me as well. Cassian and I— I interrupted myself. "He refuses to assist."

"You're unaware of that."

Yes, I do. The night I married Cassian, Bastian was there, observing with icy laughter. He always saw me as a regrettable byproduct of their past connection.

Desperation, however, has a way of forcing you to reevaluate your choices.

Sienna keeps a close eye on me. It is up to you. You need an ally, however, if Cassian has really shut you out of everything. Someone who can make the playing field level.

My fists tighten. I detest this. Relying on another person. being confined.

But if I have to choose between letting Cassian find me and surrendering my pride...

My response is already known.

"All right," I reply. "Tell me how to get to Bastian."

---

CASSIAN'S POV

"Nothin'?" My head of security, Grayson, sits across from me, and he doesn't bat an eyelid when I speak in a dangerously low voice.

"She's exercising caution," he remarks. She isn't using her accounts or contacting any apparent connections. She seems to have disappeared.

The leather in my chair creaks beneath my weight as I recline. Even though my office's floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the downtown skyline, my thoughts are on her.

Aurora.

I massage my temples. She didn't just disappear. Someone is assisting her.

Grayson pauses.

I raise my head. "Who?"

"A lady by the name of Sienna Morgan."

I become motionless.

Naturally.

The only true friend Aurora has. The one who consistently saw right through me.

"Seek her out," I command. "I would like to know her precise whereabouts, the people she has spoken to, and her plans."

"Yes, sir." At the door, something stops Grayson as he turns to go.

With caution, he continues, "Sir, there's something else."

I raise an eyebrow. "Spit it out."

"Bastian Holt has started asking questions. Concerning her

A dangerously sluggish pulse throbs in my veins.

Bastian.

My old best pal. My biggest danger.

Aurora is what he desires.

A savage, rapt smile pulls at my lips as I rise, rolling my shoulders.

"Tell him not to get involved."

Grayson moves uncomfortably. "He won't, sir. If she makes contact with him—

"She refuses to." Like a promise, I utter it.

thus she won't have the opportunity.

---

AURORA'S POV

The bustle of talk provides the ideal cover as the dimly lit café is filled. With my hands wrapped around a cup of coffee that I don't plan to drink, I sat in the back with my hood up.

Sienna stands across from me, watching the entry. "He will arrive shortly."

My ribs are pounded by my heart.

This is an error.

Instead of meeting with one of Cassian's fiercest opponents, I should be jogging.

After then, the door opens.

Bastian Holt enters with an air of authority. There's always that cutting, inscrutable air about him, a guy who loves the game as much as he loves winning it.

His icy blue eyes meet mine as soon as he sees us.

Then he grinned.

That grin isn't welcoming. He knows something you don't, and it's the type of stuff that makes your stomach turn.

He takes the seat across from me with ease. "Well, well. The deceased Mrs. Viero

I tense up. "I no longer use that name."

He leans back and laughs. "You'll. Unless you've got a very solid plan.

I pause. Then: "I need your assistance."

His eyebrows rise. "Aid? That's intriguing now.

Sienna gives him a scowl. "Will you pay attention or not?"

Bastian looks at me with a tilt of his head. "You're escaping him."

I don't respond.

He smiles. "Wise girl."

I say, "I need a new identity." "A means of escape."

He drums his fingers on the table. "What do I receive in exchange?"

It chills me to the bone.

He won't act kindly in this way. Bastian performs for his own enjoyment. Always.

"What are you looking for?" I inquire thoughtfully.

He grins more broadly. "To get you back, Cassian will burn the entire planet." I'd want to sit in the first row.

I get knots in my stomach.

I say steadily, "Help me," and then I vanish. Forever.

Something unreadable flickers in Bastian's eyes.

He then gives one nod. "Agree."

I feel a wave of relief.

But it doesn't last long.

Because Bastian stiffens the moment we get up to go. His eyes get gloomy.

He mutters a curse after that.

I follow his eyes.

And my blood freezes.

At the entryway, two guys in fitted suits blend in with the throng, but they are not your typical customers.

They belong to Cassian's group.

Bastian uses his nose to exhale. "All right, my love." I can detect the stress behind his almost amused tone.

"Your husband seems to be ahead of the game already."