Page 80 of Filthy Little Lies

I’m packing bags that will follow me to the next place. I’ll try again. A fresh start. Only the same thing will happen there, too.

“You don’t need to watch me, Roman. I’m not going to steal his cufflinks,” I mutter as I gather up my panties from the top drawer.

“Gabriel’s order,” he says again, but softer this time. When I glance over at him, he doesn’t hold my gaze.

“Right.” I check my phone, hoping Cassie has sent a message that she heard from Tony. There’s nothing.

I tap on Gabriel’s number, briefly reading the last text thread. Playful teasing about getting to the dinner on time, or there’d be consequences.

“Sav,” Roman softens his voice, but the demand is there. Hurry the fuck up and get out.

“Yeah.” I drop my phone onto the bed. “I just need to change.”

I grab a pair of dark jeans and a black sweatshirt before heading to the bathroom to change. At least Gabriel didn’t order his brother to watch this part. I hang the dress up in the closet along with the other clothes Gabriel bought for me. If I’m leaving here, I’m doing it with only the items I brought with me.

“Just one bag?” Roman steps inside and glances at the closet. His jaw sets when he sees how full it is, but he doesn’t comment on it.

After I slip into my shoes, I pocket my phone and pull my hair back into a ponytail. I find my wallet as I empty the clutch I used for the dinner and tuck it into my back pocket.

“Okay, I guess I’m ready.” I grab the suitcase, but Roman’s quick and brushes my hand away. I don’t bother thanking him.

Several of Gabriel’s men hover in the foyer. None of them meet my eye.

“What are you standing around here for? Go,” Roman snaps at them when he makes his way down with my bag. They frown but disperse without comment.

Damien stands at the SUV idling in front of the house. His hands are folded in front of him, and a blank expression settles on his face as he stares blankly in front of him. My guard goes up. Maybe I’m not being taken home.

Maybe I’m being taken to my grave.

I try to get Damien to look me in the eye, but he won’t.

Roman takes my suitcase to the back of the car, then calls Damien over to talk to him. I climb into the back of the SUV, staring out the window at the beautiful house in front of me. I’d started thinking of this place as home. I’d let myself pretend there was a future here.

A future with him.

What an idiot I was.

Damien climbs into the driver’s seat and slams the door. Roman takes the passenger seat.

My mouth dries. It doesn’t take two mammoths of men to drive me across town to my apartment.

As we pull away from the house, Roman gets texts and he busies himself with his phone.

Damien makes a turn, then another, and I realize we’re not going toward my apartment.

“Where are you taking me?” I demand, but Damien stays silent. “Roman.”

He twists around to look at me. “Somewhere safe.”

“What the hell does that mean? I want to know where we’re going.”

“Don’t worry about it. Just sit tight,” he says.

“Roman, tell me where you’re taking me. And do not tell me it’s Gabriel’s orders to keep it from me.” I dig my nails into my palm.

His brow raises. “I told you. We’re going somewhere where you’ll be safe.”

I sink back into my seat. If Gabriel thinks I helped Tony, he’d be pissed. But he’d deal with me himself.