Standing to leave his opulent home office in their New York apartment, Galina whispered, “How naïve you are about her. She doesn’t care if I’m happy.” Opening the door and meeting Svetlana’s eyes on the other side, she added, “It’s human trafficking and I’ll kill myself before I let you sell me.”
Locked in her room, cut off from the outside world for weeks, she was often drugged and strapped down to her bed for her own protection.
Her mother ramped up her efforts to secure a profitable match. The revolving door of gentlemen callers continued and Galina hated all of them on principle.
Then a man she knew through her father was escorted into the den and she found herself genuinely surprised. He was considered cold, arrogant, and borderline sociopathic to the outside world but she knew he wasn’t.
Left alone with him, Galina waited until her mother closed the door to ask, “Why are you here?”
He placed a finger over his lips and winked so quickly she almost missed it. “Why do you think? I demand the best in all aspects of my life.”
“I…”
“Come.” He motioned her closer and when they stood within touching distance, he pressed a tightly folded note into her palm as he kissed the back of her hand. “Let me look at you.”
He circled her, squeezing her shoulders before wrapping his arm around her waist from behind. Pulling her roughly against his chest, she gasped as he slipped what she believed was a phone into the pocket of her jeans.
Inhaling the scent of her hair, he chuckled at her ear. “Steady.”
He let her go and stepped away, waiting for her to turn and meet his black eyes. “Your mother trained you well. I’ve rarely met someone so biddable.” Crossing his hands at his back, he added, “You passed my first test.”
“Mr. Winters…”
“Hudson.”
“H-Hudson. I thought you never planned to marry.” She’d known him socially for years and they owned an apartment in one of his buildings in New York.
He shrugged one shoulder. “Plans change given the right circumstances. Are you excited to wed?”
“Terrified. I doubt I’ll actually know my future spouse.”
“Hmm.” He walked to the window overlooking the garden behind the house. “Do you enjoy the view?” He glanced over his shoulder to look at her. “It’s almost as lovely as the princess held prisoner in the metaphorical tower.”
“Am I Rapunzel in this story?”
“I think you may be another fairytale character all together. I suppose we’ll see.” Stiffening, he turned to face her as the door opened. “Svetlana. Your daughter will accompany me to a gala I’m attending in three days. See that she has appropriate attire. Lola will send you the particulars.”
“Of course, Mr. Winters. I take it your meeting went well?”
Approaching Galina, he took her hand again to kiss the back. “Better than expected. She’s more than advertised.”
“I know.”
“You won’t be part of our evening.”
Her mother’s eyes widened. “What?”
“She’ll attend with me alone. I will pick her up. If I see your security detail, Leonard will have them for lunch. I trust we understand one another?”
“Mr. Winters…”
His voice was harsh as he barked, “I asked if we understand one another?”
Men did not make Svetlana submit. The opposite was always the case. Stunned, Galina looked back and forth between them.
“Yes, Mr. Winters. I’ll make sure she’s ready.”
“Excellent.” Bowing to Galina, he gave her another conspiratorial wink and left the room without another word.
As they listened to the door to their private lobby close in the distance, Svetlana smiled. “That man wouldn’t let you get away with anything. I think he may be perfect.”
“Am I excused?”
“Yes, yes. Go pout in your room. I’ll have the seamstress here later today.”
Measuring her steps, keeping her head down, Galina made her way upstairs and closed her bedroom door softly. In her bathroom, with the door locked, she turned on the shower to fog any possible cameras.
Only when the room filled with steam did she remove the note Hudson Winters slipped into her hand.
“Steady. The tower isn’t impenetrable.”
Smiling, she flushed it down the toilet. Slipping the slim phone from her pocket, she noted the numbers saved in it before hiding it in the bottom of a box of tampons.
Hours later, her mother entered her room with a seamstress following meekly behind her.
“Strip. You need to be measured.”
With shaking hands, Galina complied. She stared at a spot on a far wall to take her mind away from another person seeing her naked body.
There were already too many to count.
“You will lose seven pounds,” Svetlana ordered. “The dress I’ve chosen will be perfect and you mustn’t mar it with your own imperfections.”
“Lose pounds from where? I’m already too thin.”
“Nonsense. Shave a bit off as I ask and I’ll allow you to enjoy your evening with Hudson Winters without interference.”
“Perhaps I don’t wish to attend a fucking gala with him,” she hissed in rebellion her mother would expect.
Moving closer, her mother slapped her across the face. “Ever the petulant child. You’ll do as you’re told. I expect you to use every skill I’ve ever taught you to charm him.”
“Why?” Galina shook her head. “Why him?”
“He’s in New York. If not him, you’ll marry the sheik who arrives in two weeks. If you’re unattached to Winters when you’re introduced, I’ll have to travel to Northern Africa for a visit. Which would you prefer?”
“He’s almost forty years older than me. You’d sell me to a man old enough to be my grandfather?”
“Your theatrics grow tiresome, Galina. A decade, perhaps two, is all you’d have to endure. The connection is to be envied.”
“So, Hudson or an old man who probably has twenty other women just like me in his house. Unreal.” Inhaling carefully, she asked, “You think Hudson so easy to manage?”
“Every man is easy to manage if you wish it.” She snapped her fingers in the face of the seamstress. “I require alterations in two days.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Hours later, her mother returned with tea on a tray. “Drink all of this.”
“What is it?”
“Drink it.”
Knowing Svetlana wasn’t above having it forced down her throat, she picked up the tray and carried it to her seating area.
Within minutes, she knew it contained more than tea.
Chapter Three
The moment Hudson Winters’ gaze settled on her body the night of the gala, Galina saw his concern.
“What have you done to her?” Hudson’s voice was livid.
Svetlana was not prepared. “Done? What do you mean?” Reaching out, she smoothed the bodice of the custom amethyst gown two sizes smaller than Galina would wear at a healthy body weight. “She’s stunning. As always.”
He walked closer and she couldn’t hide the way she trembled. “Come.” To her mother, he said, “I’ll deal with you later.”
Once the elevator doors closed, he wrapped his arm around her waist and took her hand. She instantly realized he was doing it to hold her up.
“A bit further.”
Nodding, she said nothing. His driver and bodyguard’s eyes widened in obvious alarm when he saw her. Leonard held the door of the Rolls Royce and Hudson handed her into the back.
“When was the last time you ate?”
Resting her head against the leather, she closed her eyes. “The morning before your visit.”
Part of her brain registered his string of expletives with a smile but the rest of her was too weak to engage.
“You leave tonight.”
Turning her head on the seat, she felt tears slip from the corners of her eyes. “T
hank you, Hudson.”
“Had I known she’d starve you for three days, I’d have taken you with me then.”
“It’s alright.”
“No. It is not.”
“How did you know I was in trouble? How did you know I needed help?”
He smiled and she saw the goodness in a man who usually inspired fearful respect. “An old friend of yours enlisted my help when he realized you’d been committed yet again. I was happy to lend a hand.”
“An old friend?”
“He’ll meet the plane when you land.”
“Land?” She felt as if her brain couldn’t keep up.
“First, an appearance at the party.” He growled. “I wish it wasn’t necessary. You’re barely able to stand.”
“I’m good at faking it. Don’t worry.”
“A woman will meet you in the ladies’ room on the south side of the ballroom. I don’t know her but she has red hair and apparently, a personality you can’t miss.”
“Understood.”
“Do you have the phone I gave you?” She nodded. “Text me the moment you’re safe.”
“You’re a good man.”
“Not really. I dislike people who take advantage of those who are weaker. It cannot be allowed to stand.”
Reaching out, she took his hand where it rested on his thigh. “You’re a good man, Hudson. I won’t forget this.”
Turning his hand to hold hers lightly, he stared down into her face. “I don’t know what it’s like to be at the mercy of another person or to be traded like property. I do know what it’s like to feel helpless. It’s time to get your power back.”
She nodded. “I’ll work hard.”
“That’s the spirit.” Glancing up, he added, “Here we are.”
Stepping from the car, he offered her true support to get out and held her snugly to his side.
“Bright smile,” he murmured.
Once they were past the gauntlet of photographers and reporters, he walked directly to the ballroom and found a quiet alcove. He helped her lower onto a padded bench as a lovely woman with raven hair appeared.
“Hudson. Oh no.” Kneeling in her formal gown, the brightest blue eyes stared into her own. “I’m Natalia. Hudson’s friend. You must be Galina.”
“Yes.” Swaying, she put her palm on the bench to hold herself upright. “Sorry.”
“You need something light. Scare the wait staff, darling.”
Hudson left them alone and Natalia smoothed her hair. “You’re going to be just fine. Fresh air, sunshine, and some decent meals will see you fixed right up.”
“I hope so.”
“Believe it. I must say, you’re even lovelier in person. Your eyes are spectacular.”
Smiling, Galina whispered, “So are yours.”
Hudson returned with a small plate of hors d’oeuvres and she nibbled at them.
“I feel better already,” she told them.
Natalia’s smile was brilliant. “Liar. Let’s circulate so all the right people can see you on Hudson’s arm. It’s important.”
For almost an hour, they mingled with wealthy men and women. Some she knew, others she didn’t. The friends kept her between them and made introductions.
Finally, Hudson said, “It’s time.”
Thanking them quietly, she made her way to the restroom to meet the next contact who would aid in her escape.
The moment she pushed the door wide, a woman with striking red hair jumped off her seat on the counter.
“There you are! Hmm. You look like you could use a burger and a nice milkshake. First things first. I’m Tawny. Here’s clothes for you to change into.”
Unsettled, Galina didn’t immediately reply. The redhead took her hand while making a funny face and led her to the large stall at the back. Locking them in, she proceeded to help her out of the skintight gown.
Only then did she pause. “Are you…should you be so thin?”
“No. I shouldn’t be.”
They shared a look and the green eyes of her new protector hardened. “So, it’s like that. I’m even more excited to get you the fuck out of Dodge. Let’s hustle.”
Pulling on leggings, a t-shirt, socks, and boots, Galina caught her breath while Tawny stuffed her formalwear into the bag.
“Come on.”
They left the hotel through the kitchen and hailed a cab at the end of the alley. It took them two hours and six cabs before they arrived at a small municipal airport.
“That’s my baby. Fueled up and ready to be your white horse. We’re gonna carry you into the sunset.” She paused. “I mean, it’s fucking dark but you know what I mean.”
Despite the stress of the situation, Galina laughed. “I do.”
“Let’s blow this popsicle stand.”
The moment they were in the air, Tawny placed a bag in her lap. “Junk food. Protein bars. Water and crap. Have as much as you want but know this flight will take six hours.”
Instead of eating, she leaned her head against the seat and was asleep in under a minute. She didn’t wake up until they were descending to a lit runway in the middle of darkness.
“I was really starting to worry about you. Shit.” Tawny slowed to a stop and unbuckled. “I bet you haven’t slept right in months, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, now you’re safe. I can guaran-fucking-tee that. Come say hello to an old friend.”
They climbed from the plane and someone on the ground braced her back for support as she made it to the tarmac. Turning, she met silver-gray eyes set in a face she never forgot.
“H-Hollow.”
Her smile quickly dissolved into tears and he scooped her up. Placing her gently in the back of an SUV, he held her hand.
“Everything is going to be alright now. You’ll see.”
“You sent Hudson to get me?”
He nodded. “When she put you in rehab again. You’re going to a safe house until I can work up a new identity. Once we have your paperwork, I’ll settle you anywhere in the world you want to go. For now, rest and recuperate.”
He closed the door and climbed into the front passenger seat. Tawny took the seat beside her.
“Now you’re going to give me all the behind-the-scenes scoop on the men and women I drool over. You were one of them, by the way but now I feel bad about it.”
“Thanks for bringing me, Tawny.”
“No problem. I’ll warn you now, the guys are going to beg for autographs. Don’t humor them. It only makes them worse.”
She chuckled. “I think I can spare autographs for such a rescue.” Tawny made a funny face. “It’s okay if you want one.”
“Shit. Busted.”
As they started to move, Galina took the phone from her pocket and texted Hudson as promised.
“I’m safe. Thank you.”
A moment later, she received a reply. “You’re welcome. Stay that way, princess.”
Turning it off, she leaned her head back and slept again. Her body was exhausted and she was afraid but she was accustomed to both. It didn’t matter.
For the moment, she was free and that was brand new.
Chapter Four
September 2012
The safe house was set in the middle of several acres on the northern border of Wyoming. A single room with a tiny bathroom provided everything Galina needed.
A woman who’s bearing screamed military was her assigned protection. The muscled blonde said little but guarded her around the clock from a converted shed off the front porch.
For the most part, she spent her time alone and it felt like a vacation. She finished several books she’d wanted to read for a long time and kept a journal of her days.
Hollow arrived every week or so with food and supplies. She didn’t know how to cook so he brought her sandwich ingredients and microwaveable meals.
It was more food than she’d ever eaten.
He also brought psychologists to talk to her. Each of the men and women who appeared, bl
indfolded, in the safe house living room were floored when their patient’s identity was revealed.
After her first mental health exam, the doctor was blindfolded again and led carefully from the house. He left behind a folder.
“Why bring him here?” she asked her friend.
Glancing up from the papers, Hollow smiled. “Your mother maintains control of you as well as your fortune. She’s able to do that by implying you’re a danger to yourself and incapable of making your own decisions.”
Galina turned the words over in her head. “You’re establishing proof that I’m not mentally incompetent.”
“The media interviewed people you’ve worked with over the years. Not only do they insist you’re sane, they talk about Svetlana’s unhealthy control over your life.”
“Initially she made it seem I’d been taken.” He nodded. “Now it’s becoming clear that I ran away.”
“She’s losing her leverage as a sympathetic figure and her anger bled through during her last press conference. Hiding works for now but you need a permanent solution or all of this is for nothing.”
“Y-you think you can reverse her power of attorney? Her guardianship?”
“Yes.”
“And you think the doctors are the answer?”
“They’re the ten best in the country. Their sworn statements about your mental health will protect you. Talk to them, answer honestly. Let’s take away her power.”
“Brilliant.”
Grinning, he gestured to the table. “I brought food from your favorite deli.”
“Thank you. Did you reach Ana?”
“I assured your aunt that you’re safe. Once she knew that, she had no other questions.”
“I’m glad.”
They ate together and talked about average things not part of either of their lives and Galina thought it was nice to pretend.
Despite her years spent in many stages of public undress and being completely at his mercy, Hollow didn’t look at her with lust in his eyes.
Each time he left her, he kissed her forehead and smoothed her hair like an older brother she’d have given anything to have. Other than that, he didn’t touch her.
The reprieve from being touched was a blessing she’d never dared to expect.
Embrace the Wild (The Great Outdoors Book 5) Page 2