Read Die Run Hide for Free Online

freedom. More than my life.”
    “What could be more important than those?”
    “My soul.”
    “Your … what?”
    “I didn’t choose U.N.I.T. over prison to regain my freedom. Or to escape the hell of solitary in Regina Coeli . I chose it because it gave me something to live for. To die for, if I have to. I don’t always approve of our methods, but I believe in our cause.”
    Anika sat back, stunned. All those times she had tried to convince Gianni to run away with her and create a new life together, he had never shared this reason for staying.
    “Why haven’t you told me this before now?”
    “There was no need. The dangers of escaping from the agency were enough of a deterrent.”
    A deep crack split open between them.
    “I don’t share your belief about U.N.I.T.’s cause.” Her voice gathered heat. “I can’t accept an organization that monitors federal orphans for recruiting purposes. Prevents the most clever ones from being adopted. Then shows up on the day they’re to be released and suckers them into signing up for life.”
    “I understand your feelings. That’s another reason why I haven’t revealed mine before now.” Gianni rearranged the food on the tray, avoiding her eyes. “But why give the child up?”
    Anika couldn’t tell him about her profile. How it proved she didn’t know the first thing about creating a family. It was like a defect inside of her, too shameful to say out loud.
    “We both know I’ll be running and hiding the rest of my life. From U.N.I.T. From its enemies. I won’t subject a baby … a child … to that kind of existence. Would you?”
    The familiar and unpleasant gurgling in her stomach started up.
    “Where will you go? Afterward?”
    “I’ll keep my freedom for as long as I can.”
    “Would you come back in? Once you knew the child was safe?”
    Anika looked at him, her brows drawing together. “How could I, if I’ve been given a solo?”
    “I’ll devise a scenario.”
    “I’ll take my chances outside.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. Settle down .
    He tracked her movement, then lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Is there nothing good inside the agency? Nothing worth returning for?”
    She searched for the words that would bridge the chasm between them.
    His handheld buzzed, with the signature tone reserved for calls from the agency. The tone that meant he had to stop whatever he was doing — eating, sleeping, bathing, lovemaking — and answer.
    “Yes.” Gianni turned away from her. A pause while U.N.I.T.’s voice recognition system verified his identity. “I’ll be there.”
    “Tell Evan her timing is lousy.”
    “It was Jewel. There’s a new mission. I have to go.”
    Anika swore she could smell the scent of orange blossom fouling the air. Her stomach roiled in protest.
    “Won’t you reconsider coming back inside?” He reached for her hands.
    She couldn’t compete with his reasons for wanting to stay with the agency. His soul. And Jewel. They were too big to fight, even for her.
    “Things are different now. If I survive the solo, I can’t come back.”
    “You’ll survive.”
    “Does that mean you’ll help me?”
    He stared at her with somber eyes.
    Her mind asked him to agree, but her heart begged him to refuse.
    He leaned forward and touched his lips to her forehead. “I’ll speak with Command, then work up an escape plan.”
    She fisted her hands in her lap to keep from pulling him close and spilling the truth. The click of the door signaling his departure sounded as loud and final as a shot from a P-16.
    Her stomach back-flipped. She lurched from the couch and stumbled into the bathroom. The cheese and bread rushed out in a violent spasm.
    What have I done? Marked him for exile? No, no. Command said he would only lose his promotion. He’s too good an operative. U.N.I.T. wouldn’t …
    She clutched the metal rim of the toilet bowl. Sweat smeared her forehead and dripped into her eyes.
    He’ll be better off without me. Free