Guilt twists in my chest. I hate doing this to her. She deserves better than being drugged by her own husband. But I can’t risk her trying to stop me tonight. She’ll worry herself sick if I leave while she’s awake.
I go back upstairs and hand her the glass. “You must be thirsty.”
She smiles, trusting me completely, and downs the entire glass. “Thank you.”
I kiss her deeply, then help her into bed. She curls against me, already drifting off. I hold her for a while, stroking her hair, memorizing the feel of her in my arms.
“I’m sorry,malyshka,” I whisper against her forehead. “But I have to do this.”
Once she’s out like a light, I slip out of bed, dress quickly, and gear up, guns, knife, extra magazines. I text Dmitri:I’m on my way.
Downstairs, I’m not surprised to find Viktor waiting, already armed and dressed for war.
“I’m sorry, boss,” he says grimly. “There’s no way I’m letting you go alone. Me and a few of the men will hang back. We’ll be there if you need backup.”
I nod. I don’t have the energy to argue. “Fine.”
We head out into the night.
Viktor glances at me as we drive. “So Calina finally let you go?”
I shake my head. “No. I made sure she was asleep before I left. She would have tried to stop me.”
Viktor lets out a low chuckle. “She’s going to kill you when she wakes up. If Dmitri and Adrian don’t kill us first.”
I let out a chuckle. I know he’s right. But I will deal with her later.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Calina
A strong urge to pee pulls me from sleep.
My body feels heavy, like it’s wrapped in thick layers of cotton. My eyelids are sticky, refusing to open properly. I try to roll over, but even that small movement takes effort.
Everything is fuzzy, my thoughts slow, my limbs sluggish. I blink a few times, trying to shake off the fog, but it clings to me stubbornly.
Finally, I manage to sit up. The room tilts slightly before settling. Maxim’s side of the bed is empty, the sheets cool. A small frown creases my brow.
“Maxim?” I call out, my voice sounding thick and distant to my own ears.
No answer.
I swing my legs over the side of the bed, but it takes me a second to find my balance. My head feels stuffed with wool. I pad to the bathroom, moving like I’m wading through water. I do my business, splash some cold water on my face, and stare at my reflection. I look tired. Groggy. Like I slept too deeply.
Where is he?
As I step back into the bedroom, I call his name again, louder this time. Nothing. I walk downstairs, still calling for him, my voice echoing in the quiet house. His study is dark and empty too.
He’s gone.
The realization slams into me like a cold wave. He waited until I fell asleep and left. Or… did he make sure I fell asleep? I can’t even remember how I drifted off so quickly. One moment we were talking, the next I was out. The fog in my head feels heavier now, suspicion creeping in.
He lied to me. He left to meet Dmitri. Alone.
Panic surges through me, and I rush back to the bedroom. My hands start to shake as I grab my phone. What if Dmitri goes back on his word? What if it’s a trap? Dmitri is a backstabber, he already proved that. What if he and Adrian are working togetherto lure Maxim down there? What if they overpower him? What if I lose him tonight?
My chest tightens until it hurts to breathe. Tears burn my eyes. I can’t just sit here. I can’t wait helplessly while the man I love walks into danger.
