Chapter 4 - The Safehouse
The drive up the coast was silent.
Emma fell asleep in the backseat, her head resting against her stuffed rabbit.
Claire stared out the window at the crashing waves.
Damian drove the armored SUV, his jaw clenched. Silas followed closely in a second vehicle.
“Where are we going?” Claire finally asked.
“A property I own in Nova Scotia. It’s off the grid.”
“How long do we have to hide?”
“Until Thorne is dead.”
Claire turned to look at him.
The casual way he spoke of murder made her stomach churn.
“Is this what you do now? Just kill anyone in your way?”
“I do what is necessary.”
“Was leaving me necessary?”
Damian gripped the steering wheel tighter. His knuckles turned white.
“Four years ago, my father was murdered,” he said quietly.
Claire knew that. It was the week before he threw her out.
“Thorne orchestrated it,” Damian continued. “And he found out you were pregnant.”
Claire’s breath hitched.
“Thorne sent me a message. He said my child would pay for my father’s sins.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because if you knew, you would have stayed. You would have fought beside me.”
He finally looked at her.
“You would have died, Claire.”
“So you broke my heart to save my life?”
“Yes.”
“You arrogant coward.”
Damian flinched.
“I made the only choice I could. I made you hate me so you wouldn't look back.”
“I was pregnant, Damian. I was alone.”
“I had eyes on you. Every single day.”
Claire stared at him in horror.
“What?”
“I funded the bank loan for your café. I paid the mechanic who fixed your car last winter. Silas was your landlord.”
Claire felt sick.
Her independence, her fresh start—it was all an illusion.
“You manipulated my entire life.”
“I kept you safe!”
“You kept me in a cage!”
A sudden, sharp ping hit the back window.
May you like
The glass spider-webbed but didn't break.
“Get down!” Damian roared.
