Page 151 of The Strength Of A Woman

My back hits the door while I push out rushed, shallow breaths.

Most of the people dashed out––that’s why he picked this room––but some footsteps still ring outside.

I hold my breath as I listen. They move past the door.

I’m still afraid that someone might come after me.

I don’t need Callum to tell me I have become quite a target.Anyone grabbing me right now could have leverage over him.

I don’t want that.

I don’t want to lose him.

Every passing moment increases my anguish. Every muffled gunshot makes me shudder in fear.

Please, please.

Please don’t be him.

This man is everything that’s good in my life.

I know he’d put some contingency plans in place in case something bad happened to him and I found myself in the crosshairs of evil people, but it’s still not enough for me to make it alive after this incident.

Plus, if that happened, I’d always live like a runaway, assuming a new identity, with no connection to anyone from my past life.

Not even Nona or Rory.

What kind of life would that be?

Heels click along the corridor outside, and I straighten and pay attention as they slow down and stop in front of the door.

For a few seconds, I’m spooked.

It’s like no one is on the other side of the door, although I know for sure someone is there, perhaps listening, waiting for me to make a noise.

At least I know it’s a woman.

It could be anyone.

A stranger. Sylvia. Varela’s sister. There are other women in his family.

Whoever it is, they must be familiar with this church, or perhaps they’d kept an eye on me and seen me moving in this direction.

Maybe they’re assuming that I’m here.

Or maybe they’re looking for a place to hide as well.

Weirdly, they do nothing. And then I hear Sylvia outside the door.

“Leilani? Open the door, honey.”

She knocks quietly.

“I know you’re there, dear. I have some bad news for you. Please open the door.”

Oh. Fuck off.

I know she’s lying.