I wanted to fucking vomit.
It felt like someone had reached into my chest and ripped out my heart, putting it on full display while it was still beating.
“What do you think?” Ariana asked, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “Is it close enough to the photo?” She glanced at the phone in front of her, the image we’d sent earlier blown up.
I didn’t want to look at it. I hated seeing her like this. But I needed to get my shit together. I couldn’t let my fear control me. Not with Ariana’s life at stake.
“I doubt this guy will spend time over-analyzing the streaks of dirt on your skin.”
“I know. I just…” She blew out a long breath, spinning around on the stool. “We only have one shot at this.”
I swallowed hard at the reminder. Not because I was worried about Sarah. But because of what might happen to Ariana if this guy learned it was a trap. Maybe he already knew. Maybe that was why he responded to Victor’s encrypted message. Maybe he knew he was dead and was just playing us.
But there were no other options. We had no leads except for this one. We had to do this. At least she’d have a tracker. No matter what, I’d find her. I’d protect her. I’d keep her safe.
Erasing the distance between us, I curved toward her and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “It looks perfect.” I lingered there for a moment, breathing her in until Blake’s voice cut through.
“Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time.”
I reluctantly stepped back, doing my best to stay strong for Ariana’s sake. After all, she was the one putting her goddamn life at risk.
“Have you checked the tracker?” I asked Blake.
He showed me his cell phone, a red dot blinking in the precise location we were standing. “The signal is strong.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way.”
“It will.”
Ariana lifted her hand toward the spot where we’d hidden the tracker behind her ear. We decided it was the safest place, since her hair would cover up the incision we had to make in order to insert the tiny chip under her skin. I just prayed it was enough.
“Are you sure about this?” I asked Ariana one last time, squeezing her biceps. “It’s okay if you’ve changed your mind. You don’t?—”
“I’m sure.” Her tone was unwavering. “I’m doing this.”
I stared into her brilliant blue eyes for what felt like an eternity. I didn’t want to let her go. Wished I could come up with some other plan that didn’t involve using her. But we didn’t have one. Right now, Ariana was our only hope.
“Henry,” Blake said, clearing his throat. “There isn’t much time.”
“Of course.” I dropped my hold on Ariana and touched a hand to her lower back, guiding her down the stairs and into the living room where Mikhail and Tattoo were already waiting for us.
While making plans for tonight, Blake suggested I ask Mikhail for yet another favor. I was hesitant at first, but he reminded me Victor’s buyer was most likely expecting to see a Bratva soldier do the drop. If I showed up, it could raise suspicion. So I grudgingly called Mikhail. Much to my surprise, he was more than willing to assist in the drop.
“Ms. Summers,” Mikhail greeted Ariana as we approached. “I’d like to offer my sincerest apologies for the role my uncle played in…all of this.”
“I appreciate that. But I’d rather you apologize for what you did to Henry.”
“Ariana,” I ground out under my breath.
Mikhail simply chuckled. “While I’m not usually one to give in to such demands, I’ll make an exception for you. I’m sorry for what I did to Henry.”
She held her head high. “Apology accepted.”
Mikhail looked from Ariana toward me, a look of almost disbelief on his face. “And I thought you had some serious balls.”
“She’s a tough one,” I replied proudly.
He gestured at Tattoo, who handed him a small container. “Shall I do the honors?” He removed a syringe.
