Avoiding The Billionaire

a

irst spot I can think of: under the bed. In retrospect, this definitely wasn't a very original hiding spot nor was it a pa

ows louder, then the sound becomes more distant as it flies away.

na

d when she tried to pronounce Anastasia. It sort of stuck. I'd been spelling it Tasia at first, but soon discovered I could use the more

swer the door. If Ryan notices my exceptionally di

er. Ryan's calm demeanor is reassuring, but I'm still

s simply. "I'm going to br

feeling relie

or oversized men's clothing, wearing fresh, well-fitting clothes is wonderful. I smile at Ryan, who has retrieved the pair of boot

right words. My clothes? The books? These

? Letting m

hoping he understands ho

e and sets the boo

em on,"

sant trip to the porch, I haven't left the safety of

he says, headi

outside gave me. In addition to that, open spaces make me feel nervous. This began after the first a

..." I trail

s around

o help me unload the crates.

f running terrorized through a forest. Ryan turns to look at me when he hears my footsteps stop.

age-like structure freestanding from the cabin with an ATV parked inside. A woodpile is stacked along the cabin wall just off the porch. The large wooden crate rests where the helicopter must have deposited it in the middle of the clearing. Ryan has already pried it open with a crowbar. My gaze shifts b

g is coming so fast, I can't seem to stop gasping for air. I feel like I'm dying, like I'm going to pas

K, Ana. L

e eye behind the mask. His ha

he takes a slow breath, "and out." He continues to breathe slowly, his blue eye locked on

been having panic

at th

says, his voice quiet and gentle. "Though it's be

from my shoulders. He turns to look back out the open door,

rch and you can take it inside.

n, feeling my face

ow, OK? If you need anything, ju

I wh

l for a few moments, watching me. I feel the