Page 2 of Cruel Salvation

“I know you do, which is why I hope you understand that, when I tell you something, I’m doing it because I choose to trust you.”

“You can trust me.” She didn’t know why she made such a promise but she knew she’d keep it.

“I wish to leave this life.”

Nazareli felt her eyes widen. “You want to kill yourself?”

His low chuckle made her blink.

“No, Lotus, I wish to leave the bratva.”

“I didn’t think you left the bratva, unless it was in a box.”

“You don’t, but I’m working with someone to help me transition my way to a different life.”

“Wow, that’s brave.”

“Or, some would say, foolish.”

“That too, but why are you telling me this?”

“Because you know this man too and I think he can help you.”

Before she could respond, the door opened and Jack Granger stepped through. She scooted back on her bed, hating that she was lying in a vulnerable position.

“Settle, Lotus, he’s not here to hurt you.”

Nazareli felt her lip curl in anger at this ambush.

“Nazareli, I’m glad to see you looking better.”

“What do you want?” She was furious at Rykov for setting her up this way, but what could she do?

“Jack will explain, and I’ll be back shortly with your medication.”

Nazareli kept her gaze on Rykov, ignoring the man who stood beside her bed like a sentinel.

“May I sit?”

Nazareli shrugged, and watched as he pulled the chair Rykov had been using closer to the bed.

Jack sat and leaned back, his hands resting on his muscled abdomen. “How are you feeling?”

Nazareli speared him with a cool look, locking her emotions down, with the practice of a seasoned warrior. “Cut the crap. Why are you here?”

“I believe we may be able to help each other.”

“And why the hell would I help you? You hate my guts.”

Jack shook his head. “You’re wrong. We thought we were on opposite sides of a war, but I don’t hate you. I admire you.”

Nazareli snorted. “Yeah, ’course you do.”

Jack sat forward. “It’s true. You’re still young and yet you’re one of the smartest, coolest, and most confident operators I’ve ever seen.”

“John was a good teacher.”

“That he was, which is why I think you’ll like working for one of his original trainees.”