AllFreeNovel
Share Us
What I do know is that she’s missing because I brought her into this life. One way or another, this is my fault.
“Look for her,” I order Akim. “I’ll be there soon.”
Sergey laughs. “Leaving so soon?”
I hang up and face him. “I have to go find Piper. There will be plenty of time to kill you later.”
“That shows where your priorities are.”
I ignore him and turn to Pavel. “Have my father escorted from the premises immediately. Anyone seen talking to him once I leave is fired.”
34
PIPER
THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER
I hear Timofey come in.
I could open my eyes. I could turn to him and ask how the meeting went. But I already know the answer.
Everything is falling apart, and maybe he’s right… Maybe it is all my fault.
The Albanians only cared about Noelle because of me. The only reason Timofey trusted her in his house is because I told him she was trustworthy.
I can’t face all of that right now.
Suddenly, Timofey lays his jacket over me. It’s still warm from his body, and I’m enveloped in the scent of him. I want to breathe in deep, but I resist the urge, continuing my ploy of slow, deep breaths.
His hand brushes gently across my forehead. Electricity sparks where we connect.
“You stood in front of those men, looked me in the eyes, and said I was among the best of them,” he murmurs.
I'm dying to see his expression. To know what he's thinking right now.Did I do a good job in the meeting? Is he proud?
“How in the fuck did I convince you of something like that?” he asks.
I ache with the urge to open my eyes. I want to tell him that he is capable of so many great things. That he has already done so many great things. But I fight it.
His voice is softer when he speaks again. I can tell he’s across the room, closer to the door. “I’m not entirely sure, but I know that I don’t want to ever give you a reason to doubt it ever again. You can count on that.”
Even after I hear the door click closed, I lie perfectly still on the sofa. I don’t open my eyes until I’m sure he’s gone. Until I know I’m alone.
Because as much as I want to cling to Timofey and assure him that everything will work out, I don’t know if that’s true. Which is why I’m going to fight like hell to try andmakeit true.
To a lot of people, Timofey is a monster. I know that. And monsters don’t usually get happy endings.
But for his sake, I’m hoping to change that.
* * *
It’s been years since I’ve been in this neighborhood.
When the cabbie deposits me along the curb, he leans through the window before pulling away. “Are you sure about this, sweetheart? A girl like you doesn’t belong around here.”
I wave him off. Even if I did want to leave, there’s no way I can get back in that taxi. It took all of my energy to not have a panic attack on the drive here. Now, I need fresh air.
Besides, I’ve been here before. With Noelle, actually.
