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“Volkov has several boats at his disposal. I have soldiers manning the marina as well.”
I nodded, my gaze drifting to Emily. She’d tended to my wounds on the plane, her gentle touch another reminder of her innocence in all this. We’d talked during the three-hour flight, avoiding the topic at hand. She’d asked questions that had nothing to do with my dangerous world, curious about the sanctuary.
In turn, I’d learned about her illustrious medical career, her original plans for her future, which included a clinic for the underprivileged. What I’d realized was that caging her would crush her spirit, robbing her of the beautiful light in her eyes. While her protection weighed heavily on my mind, her happiness was just as valuable.
“She’ll be safe, Kostya.”
I thought about the original plan, uncertain the safety precautions were adequate. “Change of plans.”
He cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“Take Emily to my estate and remain with her. I want you protecting her personally.” Whether or not he was pleased with my decision no longer mattered. While I’d felt there was no other choice but to take her with me, I was still placing her life in danger, something I’d promised myself I wouldn’t do.
“Are you certain about that?” he asked, darting her a look. “I don’t think she likes me very much.”
I laughed softly. “That’s one of the few things I am certain about. Just don’t get on her nerves and she won’t bite you.”
“I guess we’ll see about that. You should know I’m not happy about it.”
“I don’t give a shit, Diego. Volkov has plans on fucking with me any way he can. You are the only man capable of keeping her alive. I’m finished with his bullshit and subterfuge,” I snarled. He could easily tell I was close to the edge, immediately shifting his glare in another direction.
“What should I do if the bad guy wins and you die?”
The question was one that had never come up before, something I hadn’t thought about up to this point. “Get her back to the estate. Allow her to spend whatever time she has with her mother without interference. Make certain they have everything they need.”
“And then?”
I turned my head, studying her, memorizing her stunning face for the tenth time. “Then set her free but make certain she’s well taken care of for the rest of her life.”
He seemed surprised, whistling under his breath. “Alright then. What I said holds true.”
“Don’t fuck with me. Just follow my orders. Get her to the house.” Before I changed my damn mind.
“Fine. I’ll continue checking the intel while I’m there. Durango is headed for a music event later tonight. Only two hundred guests. He has the president’s box.”
“That’s where Volkov will strike down the man. I’m certain he’s a member of this consortium. What time?”
“The show starts at midnight.”
“Get word to Mr. Durango. Allow him the opportunity to be a part of this… festive event. Provide enough details he can’t ignore the situation.”
Diego laughed. “A real Miami party.”
“Something like that.” I reached into my pocket, removing the jump drive. “Take this to my estate. Lock it in my safe in the office.”
He eyed it, taking several deep breaths. “All this shit for a single flash drive.”
“Evidently, it’s worth dying for. Let me tell her what’s going on.”
“Hey. At least I get to drive down Ocean Drive.” He lost his smile when he saw my expression.
I headed toward Emily, immediately sweeping her into my arms. As I captured her mouth, she seemed shocked at my display of affection, pushing her hands against me as she rose onto her tiptoes. When I refused to let her go, only then did she relax, mewing into the kiss. I craved another taste of her, a reminder that there was something worth fighting for at this point. The sweet taste of her was exactly what I needed.
When I finally broke the moment of intimacy, she took a deep breath.
“You’re not taking me to the house,” she breathed.
“You’re far too smart for your own good, my beautiful creature. Diego will take you. He’ll remain with you, the majority of soldiers outside the estate. If all works out well, I’ll be back just after midnight.”
