Page 73 of Savage Truce

Blyadʹ.

I told her she was in control, and as much as I want to make the fucker crawl for two weeks, I have to listen to her.

“Whatever you want,” I say, indicating to one of my guards to kill the man.

When I reach for Anastasia, she jumps back, shaking her head. “First, wash your hands.”

Shit. Right.

I dart into the kitchen and quickly rinse off all the blood, patting my palms dry on my pants as I leave again.

This time Anastasia comes to take my hand, and as we walk to the exit, she inspects my knuckles before pressing soft kisses to the bruising.

“All your demons are dead, moya krasavitsa.”

She glances up at me, worry creeping into her eyes. “But they were your men. Won’t the others resent you for killing them because of me?”

“No, they will learn that I won’t tolerate those who prey on the innocent. I didn’t overthrow Yegor just to have the Bratva continue down a depraved path. They all know I want a better future for the organization, and I’ll kill anyone who stands in the way of us achieving that.”

I can see my explanation makes her feel better, and when we climb into the helicopter and take our seats, I cross my arm over her chest and grip her outer thigh. It’s become my go-to position so I can keep her pinned in case of an accident.

She rests her cheek against my bicep and says, “Thank you, my love.”

Leaning down, I kiss her hair. “You okay with seeing me kill them?”

With her pointer finger, she traces the outline of the snowflake tattoo on my forearm while nodding. “I am.”

“You handled it very well,” I praise her. “Going back there took a lot of courage.”

“I didn’t know it was something I needed. Seeing you command your men and take revenge for me made the place seem less horrific.”

“That’s good.”

I know it won’t magically heal her, but I feel we’ve taken a huge step in the right direction.

CHAPTER 23

Anastasia

For the past two weeks, Rodian has been working long hours, and I don’t get to spend much time with him, so whenever he’s home I make every second count.

Shortly after we returned from the factory, a woman named Rosie came over to give me a tracking device, and I found out Rodian has one as well. She also gave me a phone with an app so I could see where Rodian was at all times, which I really appreciated.

Thinking of that…

I pick up the device and log into the app, then frown when it shows he’s in St. Petersburg.

Quickly opening my messages, I type out one and send it.

Anastasia: You’re so far from home. Will you make it back tonight?

I set the device down again, and unable to concentrate on the cloak I’m making, I let out a sigh. I’ve been spending my days in my workshop, designing costumes I know will be popular with theaters.

The instant my phone beeps, I grab it and check his reply.

Rodian: Yes. I should be back around eleven, but you don’t have to wait up.

Anastasia: There’s no way I’m going to bed without you. Will you grab something on the go, or can I make you a late dinner?