The ride down the elevator went too fast. It was odd, because usually Maksim's somberness made it feel like time was slowing down.

No guards followed them outside. Once she walked out of the building, she would no longer be under Maksim's protection. He hesitated, but eventually promised her that he wouldn't have his men keeping an eye on her.

They reached the glass doors. She could see the street from there, but it still seemed alien. She had no idea what to expect, althought the city was clear in her view. For so long, life without Maksim by her side was impossible.

"I can have someone drive us to the..."

"It's okay. You've done enough. Thank you."

Maksim lifted his weight from one leg to the other, and tugged at his collar, although the top two buttons of his top were already undone and revealing his tanned flesh.

He was a whole foot taller, a whole planet richer, but he stared down at her with fear in his eyes.

Raelynn was sure that she was a mere reflection of him.

He dug into his pocket and pulled out a wrinkled note. Raelynn stared at his hand for a few seconds, afraid that if she touched it then time would speed up again.

Everything was becoming too real.

His nails were short, and his tanned flesh peeked between his tattoos. There was nothing soft about his rough skin in look or feel. That hand had caressed her cheek as he made love to her, wrapped around her hair as he fucked her, caressed her bump when their love was manifested.

"Read it later," he said as he held out the letter.

Snapping out of her gaze, she took it. Their skin didn't touch, and she carefully pocketed Maksim's last words.

She looked at the exit, and then at him. His eyes held hers for a moment, before dropping to her lips. One last kiss didn't seem like enough, but he was all out of pink promise bracelets.

"Goodbye," he lowered his head.

Unable to repeat the word, she gave him a lively smile. It was a lie. Eight white, small, squarish lies.

Maksim didn't smile back.

She walked through the door; the luggage dragging behind her, and she fought her body, which wanted to turn and launch back into its arms.

She knew that distance was the best for their health. Only regrets and memories brewed when they were together.

She took a taxi to the airport, often looking back in search of one of Maksim's cars. She even examined the sky for a helicopter. He didn't go after her, or send anyone. He was really respecting her wishes and letting her go.

Her flight was delayed, and although it was irrational, she wondered if it was a sign from the Universe to re-enact one of those movies where characters run from the airport and back to her love.

But she stayed, and the flight took off, and she couldn't tear her eyes from the window. With every foot she climbed, the colder her lips became.

"Ma'am?"

She snapped out of her haze and faced the stewardess.

"Would you like any refreshments?"

"Oh. No, thank you."

The pressure in her ears and the coldness of the aircraft made her cross her arms over her chest. This flight was going to be a long one.

She landed in Atlanta for a layover and headed straight for the bar. She wasn't much of a drinker, but she figured that getting something warm in her belly would distract her skin from missing Maksim's embrace.

She sat on a stool and thought about what to offer.

"Hey, can I ask where you're headed?"

She turned to the male that was sitting beside her. He had blonde hair instead of dark, a smile that was too innocent, shoulders that were too relaxed, and a suit that was too crisp.

He was probably a white-collared executive whose worst enemy was the IRS. He probably wouldn't mind that she blabbered about her day once she got home because he would blabber along with her. He probably wouldn't listen closely, then pick her up and take her to bed. He probably wouldn't be detail-oriented in a world where they didn't have much.

He wasn't Maksim; wasn't silent, mysterious, gripping.

He was safe. Vanilla. Snow.

She smiled at him, although this smile was faker than the one she gave Maksim. "To Arizona to meet with my boyfriend."

The lie was supposed to ward him off. She wasn't ready to be with a man. She wasn't sure if she ever would be; not after all she lost.

White-collar backed down after that, keeping his conversation more about Arizona than herself.

Although Maksim was miles away and his men weren't following her, she could feel his hand tugging at her hair, nose at her cheek, teeth at her neck.

He possessed her, from New York to Atlanta, from this life to the next.

Minutes later, she boarded her next flight, and the letter tucked in her pocket creaked once she settled down. She plucked it out and took a deep breath. Whatever was written in the note would bend her.

Rae,

You know by now that I am not good with words, but today, I will try.

I remember the college class where I met you. You thought you were sneaky by hiding your headphones in your hair. You annoyed me as you fidgeted in your seat to dance, but then that became amusement, and soon I could not take my eyes off you.

I was always looking over my shoulder in suspense that my previous life would catch up with me. Your carefreeness was contagious and being with you was a peace I didn't deserve.

You will not find any cruel words in this letter. I love you too much for that.

Thank you for the memories, and for the taste of fatherhood. I will never forget you, or my boys.

Yours,

Maksim

The man sitting beside her gave her a concerned look as she trembled from her sobs. She lowered her head to cover her face with her hair. No headphones peeked out. She was no longer a happy-go-lucky college student. She was broken with scars on her abdomen and a bleeding heart.

I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry Maksim. I'm sorry, my babies.