She gave me a barely perceptible nod. Since my stalker would probably have someone ready to tail me as soon as they or their accomplice noticed I was going somewhere, I’d have to find a way to sneak out of here. It was ridiculous that I had to do that in my own house, but I wasn’t about to let the stalker get what they wanted—whatever the hell that actually was.

***

“THE CAR’S WAITING FOR you,” Meg said when I poked my head into the tech room, her lips curving into a soft smile as she got to her feet.

“Thanks.” I waited for her to lock her computers and grab her tablet and a small bag. She came out of the room, locking the door behind her. I hoped she had handled everything carefully and that everyone believed that I was simply going out. Since the Ezzatis and the Desaltis, my greatest enemies, had been purged from my city, which was now divided between my friend Marianta Panas and me, I no longer had to worry I was going to get killed the moment I set my foot outside.

Well, unless my stalker made their move, but I had a feeling they didn’t want me dead, because it seemed like they could’ve killed me ages ago if they’d wanted it. Or maybe it was about something entirely different. But, if my plan worked, instead of going to a nightclub and having some fun in its secure VIP area like my guards expected, I’d tell them I’d changed my mind and order them to take me to the house where James and his family were.

I’d have to be careful in case one of the guards turned against me or tried anything, but hopefully Meg had picked the ones who were least likely to betray me—not that I could really trust anyone these days, but maybe my stalker wouldn’t see this coming. I had to believe that. If only I could explain to James what had really happened, then we could find a way to solve this together.

But what if he didn’t believe me even after I told him the truth? What if he thought I was trying to trick him into helping me because I couldn’t get rid of my new enemy on my own? I supposed I could show him the proof, and he’d have to listen to me even if he didn’t want to, since our contract was still in effect, but I hoped it wouldn’t come to that.