We drove straight to the airport. The closer we got, the tighter the knot in my stomach became. In the back of my mind, I was starting to have second thoughts.

Was I doing the right thing?

Did Cassandra deserve this?

Probably not.

But I also didn’t deserve to be treated like a monster.

So I gulped down my guilt, focusing on the blur of trees beyond the window. This was my chance. I’d get on that plane, and I’d be able to start a new life. A fresh start. That’s all I’d ever wanted.

“Why are you doing this…?” Cassandra whispered, looking at me through the rearview mirror. “Emil, don’t ignore me.”

The fear laced into her voice nearly destroyed my resolve.

This wasn’t right.

There had to be another way.

Maybe, if I played my cards right, I could prove myself to VanGuard.

No.

My fists tensed. That would never work. I’d always be a criminal in their eyes. Even Cassandra was afraid of getting too close. She’d never be able to see me as someone worth her trust – her love. My jaw locked at the thought. I had been such a fool to even imagine that a relationship between us could ever work. Not even in a million years.

Well, fuck her. Fuck VanGuard. And fuck London.

Good riddance.

* * *

In the blink of an eye, we reached the airport. Roxanne veered into the drop off lane. “Well, here we are. How does it feel, my old friend?” She rested a hand on my shoulder, her sharp nails digging into my skin. “Don’t make me regret this. You’ve betrayed others, but I’ll warn you now that unless you have a death wish, you shouldn’t even think of crossing me. Got it?” She smiled, her features pleasant but her words venomous.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I answered fluidly, returning her smile. “I owe you. Big time.”

“Good. I knew you were smart.” Her smile shifted into a grin before she leaned over, popping open the glove compartment. Carefully, she pulled out a yellow envelope. “You’ll find everything you need in there.”

I grabbed the envelope, looking through the contents. Once I was satisfied that all was there, I stepped out of the car.

“Emil!” Cassandra screamed.

I hesitated, my hand on the door frame.

“You won’t be too harsh with her, will you?” I asked, despite myself.

“Harsh?” She laughed. “Oh no, of course not. I’ll be a sweet little mistress.” Her grin turned sinister.

My fingers tightened around the door. “What do you plan to do with her?” When I had set up the exchange, I hadn’t bothered to ask. All I’d cared about was getting away – a life without bondage.

“Oh, you know, I have a few things in mind. First of all, I’ve been dying to hear her scream. I’m sure she’ll sound divine.” Her eyes sparkled sadistically. “And in those shouts, she’ll reveal to me all of VanGuard’s secrets. It’s about time someone took down that pesky business. They’ve been poking their noses in every nook and cranny of this city. I’m going to make it stop.”

“I see.” My tone was flat, a bitter taste forming in my mouth.

“Are you sure you don’t want to stick around and give me a helping hand? We can have one hell of a time,” she suggested.

“You’re all sick,” Cassandra spat out, suddenly popping into the conversation.

Roxanne laughed. “Oh, honey, you haven’t seen anything yet.”

Before I could respond, someone slid into the backdoor.

Mavis.

Immediately, he wrapped his arm around Cassandra’s slender waist, pulling her close. “We’re going to have so much fun together…” he murmured into her hair. “Aren’t you excited?”

“Get your fucking hands off of me!” she screamed.

“Shh… wouldn’t want anyone to hear you and ruin all of the fun, now, would you?” Harshly, Mavis slapped his hand over her mouth.

Her eyes grew wide and full of fear.

In that moment, I nearly jumped into the back and knocked his brains in. But somehow, I held back. “Well, I’ll see you later. Thanks for everything.”

Just then, Cassandra bit Mavis’ hand.

“Emil, you can’t do this!” she wailed, trying to catch my eye. “You can’t just leave me with this –” Before she could finish, I slammed the door.

“Emil!” This time, her shout was muffled. As I walked away, I heard her pound on the window, but the tinted glass would make it impossible for anyone to see her panic-stricken face.

Before I had time to reconsider, Roxanne peeled away, leaving skid marks in her wake. I knew that was the last time I’d ever see Cassandra.

I would say it had been nice while it had lasted, but I’d rather just forget about her.

So taking a deep breath, I cleared my head and walked inside.

There, I melded with all of the other people. Some traveled with their families while others clung to their partners. It seemed that all of the individuals who traveled alone were businessmen with an agenda. Still, I faded into the muted background, presenting my fake passport at the counter. Since things were busy, I was let through without as much as a question. No one seemed to think it weird that I traveled with no luggage.

It would truly be a fresh start.

I looked down at my ticket. I still had an hour to kill before it was time to board my plane. With nothing else to do, I browsed some of the duty-free shops, but in the end, I settled into a seat with my eyes closed and my head tilted back.

“So, we meet again,” came a slightly familiar voice not a second later.

When I looked up, I was surprised at the black shadow that stood in front of me.

Evita.

I tensed, sitting up in my seat, ready to book it through the airport. I wouldn’t let this woman ruin my chances at freedom.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to appear calm.

“Where’s Cassandra?” she returned.

Fuck, she was onto me.