The need for constant security has Anna feeling suffocated and needing some space. In an effort to keep Anna happy while still providing the protection that she needs, Jake reluctantly backs off and entrusts Anna’s safety with Claudia and Rachel. But when Rachel’s visions become unreliable, the girls find themselves in a dangerous situation. And when Anna returns the favour of protection, they’re all left with the realization that Anna’s too selfless to save herself.
Turn the page to read the prologue to Stranded.
Prologue
It was exhausting knowing that every move I made was being mirrored by Nick and Noah—Jake’s orders. When would Claudia and Rachel be back? I needed to go the washroom.
“You okay?” Nick asked, his gaze locked on my bouncing knee as we sat on the outdoor patio of a quaint café in Italy.
“Have you heard from Jake? And when will Rachel and Claudia be back anyway?” I pointedly ignored his question.
“Do you need to go to the washroom, Anna?” And he pointedly ignored mine.
“Yes.”
“Claudia and Rachel will be back soon. They just wanted to show Eli and Mark where to patrol.”
Yes, Eli and Mark—more bodyguards insisted by Jake. I sighed heavily.
“Get used to it,” Nick said, a bit of playfulness now gone from his voice. I rolled my eyes so he couldn’t see.
Up to this point, Noah had been quietly sipping his coffee. “He just wants to make sure nothing happens to you while he’s gone.”
I nodded, fully understanding, although not entirely appreciating the importance of it yet.
My knee began bouncing again.
“Okay, up you go,” Nick said, pushing his chair back and pulling at my arm. “I’m taking you to the washroom.”
“No, you most certainly are not,” I challenged.
“Anna, stop being so stubborn. Claudia and Rachel may not be back for another twenty minutes.”
I frowned, considering how much longer I could hold it. “Fine!” I gave in, annoyed. “But you’re not coming in this time.”
Nick laughed. “Noah will go in first to make sure it’s clear, and then we’ll wait out by the door.”
I whimpered. There was nothing I hated more than being followed and watched and guarded all day, every day.
Once the washroom was safety-approved, I headed in and enjoyed a moment of peace while I stared at my reflection in the mirror. No Claudia. No Rachel. No bodyguards. Just me. But now I missed Jake. At least when Jake was near, the others backed off a little.
I dug out my phone from my clutch and sent a text to him: