Chapter 4

It was punishing and possessive, wild and domineering, marking it clear that I was his woman.

He only let me go when I was breathless, then he declared in my ear, "Alison, listen, you're never getting away from me, not in this lifetime.

"And don't even think about trying to pawn me off on someone else."

I collapsed in his arms, watching Carol's face shift from shock to humiliation, then go pale as a ghost.

Only one thought echoed in my mind: I was doomed.

I was totally screwed.

I actually pissed off the female lead so much that she left right in front of me.

*****

After all my failed attempts at self-sabotage, which only made our so-called relationship even tighter, I made up my mind: I had to get out.

This world was way too dangerous. Sometimes, the smartest move was to run.

I put together a meticulous escape plan.

First, I pretended I'd been totally "tamed" by Jackson, acting all sweet and obedient.

I'd do whatever he told me to do.

I'd never go against his words.

'I'll let you drop your guard, and when the time's right, I'll disappear from your world.'

Jackson looked pretty pleased with my sudden change in attitude.

His gaze got even more indulgent, almost like he was ready to spoil me rotten.

I jumped at the chance and said, "Jax, I'm so bored at home all alone. I want to go out and find a job."

'Yep, I need a job. So I can stash some cash, make my getaway, and finally put some real space between us.'

He didn't even hesitate before saying yes.

"Alright, I'll have Carter get you all the files on our subsidiaries. Pick whichever one you like," Jackson said.

I was at a loss for words.

'Come on, I'm trying to escape your control, not switch to another branch of your empire.'

I had to turn him down gently. "No, that's okay. I want to rely on my own skills. I want to experience life for myself."

In the end, I started working as a trainee in a tiny flower shop, way out in the farthest part of the city from Jackson's company.

With a job in hand, my next move was to start saving up and get myself a fake ID.

I kept my card loaded with three million hidden away, pinching every penny.

'Once I've got enough cash and a new identity, I'll disappear to some place so hidden you'll never track me down. You'll never find me, not in this lifetime.'

Everything was moving along smoothly, as I'd mapped out.

*****

A month later, I'd secured my new ID and passport and booked a flight out at 5 AM the next morning.

The night before I left, I made one last trip back to the villa I shared with Jackson.

He was out of town on business and wouldn't be back until tomorrow.

This was my best chance.

I looked around the place I'd lived in for a year, feeling not a hint of nostalgia, just the thrill of finally making my escape.

I dragged my suitcase out the door, not saying goodbye to anyone, and slipped away without a sound.

As I hopped into the taxi bound for the airport, I watched the city streets whiz by outside the window, feeling a surreal sense of freedom wash over me.

Goodbye, lunatic Jackson. I was off to start a brand new life.

At 4 AM, I breezed through security and plopped down in the waiting lounge, my heart racing as I waited for boarding.

'I did it. I've finally escaped him.'

The announcement for boarding started echoing through the terminal.

I stood up, dragged my suitcase along, and melted into the crowd, making my way toward the gate.

Just as my foot was about to step onto the jet bridge, a hand gently rested on my shoulder from behind.

A voice I knew down to my bones whispered in my ear, soft and seductive as the devil himself.

"Hey, sweetheart," he murmured. "Where are you off to? Not gonna wait for me?"

Every drop of blood in my body froze solid in that moment.