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But I wouldn’t feel this fever. This helplessness.
My mother chose to marry my father. Chose this life, knowing exactly what it could entail.
Lyla didn’t. Neither did my son.
I knew I’d have kids one day. I knew they’d be exposed to the same horrors I accepted from a young age. But I thought I’d have years to prepare for that moment. Ease into it. I didn’t think a fully formed person would just appear, thinking he’s a normal child but facing deadly threats because he shares my blood.
“They’re two minutes out.”
I nod, acknowledging the update. Ivan opens his mouth like he’s considering saying something else, then quickly closes it. It’s a wise decision. My temper is on a short fuse right now.
I’m furious—mostly with myself.
This is my fault. I should have stayed far away from Lyla and her life. I make nothing but reckless decisions when she’s near, and it’s a pattern that has to stop.
I’m not sure if it can be halted though.
Not now.
Bianchi’s men were curious before. I should have anticipated that he would havesoldatostailing me as soon as I crossed into the city. I was too consumed by what to do about Lyla to think anything through about my impulsive visit.
Bianchi wasn’t expecting me to have left men, or he would have sent more to investigate Lyla’s building. If I hadn’t, I don’t know what would have happened.
There’s a chance they would have poked around and left. A chance I wasn’t willing to take. As soon as Viktor told me there were Italians there, I made my orders clear.
By now, Bianchi will know what took place after our meeting. Know I left men. Know I authorized them to fire first. And the fact that I did says everything I never would have voluntarily shared with the Italians.
He’ll dig into Lyla’s life. Learn she has a son. Connect the two dots.
Walking away now isn’t an option.
A black SUV squeals its way onto the tarmac.
Everyone around me jumps into action, ensuring we’re ready to take off.
I finally stand still, staring at the tinted glass like I’ve developed X-ray vision and can actually see a damn thing inside.
The headlights of the black SUV light up the puddles lingering from earlier rain that turned to snow. Grigoriy steps out of the driver’s seat. Viktor climbs out of the passenger’s side. They avoid eye contact with me, setting about unloading the bags from the back of the car and removing the license plates. They both know there will be consequences for what happened earlier. The Italians shouldn’t have made it inside the building in the first place.
Lyla appears next. She’s dressed the same as she was when we talked outside her apartment earlier. The only thing that’s changed is the expression on her face. She’s not just angry—she’s scared.
The unrest in my chest is gone, but something tightens in its place.
I fucked up.
Lyla shuts the car door and strides straight toward me. With each step, more of the fear disappears, crystallizing the fury on her face.
When she reaches me, she shoves me. Hard. Years of training are the only reason I stay upright.
If she were anyone else, she’d no longer be breathing.
“I know you’re upset—”
“Upset?! UPSET? There are twodead menin the hallway outside my apartment, Nick. I’m a witness to murders! Leo was home from school! He could have been injured!Killed! I don’t know what the fuck you’re involved in, and I don’t want to know. I want no part of it, Nick. Crawl back to wherever you came from. We’re better off without you.”
She stares at me, chest heaving and dark hair flying.
I should reply. I had a response ready. Explanations. Apologies. I can’t allow her to stand here and berate me in front of my men. It’s bad enough she touched me without my permission, which is ordinarily a fatal offense.
