I back up and slide my dress above my knees, so moving and getting ready is not as restricting. I have no idea who or what that button does, but I can guarantee that someone will be up here in minutes; I won’t let them use me to get to Alexi, and I won’t die for him when I know he wouldn’t care.

I make a run for it, my head down, and determined as hell, I aim for the door, but I’m not fast enough, and despite adrenaline coursing through my body as every part of me pounds with ...