Page 149 of The Bratva King

“No. I took the bus.”

“Smart girl. I’m going to make some calls. I’ve got a contact in Albuquerque who owes me. We can get you both new papers.”

I sigh.

“New name, new city. You know the drill.”

“Every time we move, it sets Luke back,” I murmur.

“I know, sweetheart.” His voice is soft. “I know it’s hard. But you’re exposed. You’re in the same city as a major Bratva operation, with Italian mob activity circling the edges. You can’t stay in Vegas.”

“I know. Make the calls. I’ll be ready to leave.”

He breathes out. “Good. I’ll call you as soon as I get something set up.”

“Thank you, Greg.”

“Be careful.”

“Always.”

I end the call and go back into the room. Luke is still watching dinosaurs, still content and trusting me to know where we’re going next.

But the pain I feel? This is mine.

I let myself believe safety could last.

I let myself believe Nikolai could be home.

Worse, I let Luke believe it.

Now, I’m walking away from the first place either of us ever wanted to stay.

36

Nikolai

I’m at the casino, going over the final security layout for the Tatiana opening, when my phone buzzes. I step away and answer.

"She slipped out the back," he says. "Second team is on her."

I wish I was surprised, but I felt this coming. That kiss in my office. I understood. I hoped I’d read the situation wrong, but I knew when they told me she wanted to go to the store. I had them positioned behind the store because that’s where I would go if I wanted to escape.

"Stand down. Don't stop them."

"Sir?"

"You heard me. Watch her. Don't approach. Don't interfere."

I end the call and stare at the phone in my hand. I don't want to do it, but I do. I pull up the tracking app I’d installed on the tablet. It was a safety measure for Luke, never meant to track Gabby. If she took it with her, I’ll know where they are.

She's on the move. My team will follow.

Pasha is watching me across the room. He warned me.

I return to the meeting and handle the rest of the business. If she moves, my guys will tell me.

That doesn't stop me from checking the tracker every hour. Every time, I make the same decision. Go get her? Or give her time? Let her prove to herself she can leave… and come back on her own.