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Nikolai faces us and confirms what we fear. “Alexander just contacted me. He informed me that he told the Starukhin men that I’m in league with the Lanzzare. My own men are coming to get me.”
“Your men?” I ask, bewildered.
“Men loyal to the brigadiers, but not to me.”
The hum of danger vibrates through the room as the barking mingles with heavy footsteps. I freeze in place, my heart pounding in my chest as I realize that our lives are on the line.
Chaos erupts as Pavel rushes into the house, followed by two of his men. “We’re being attacked.” His eyes are wide with confusion. “They look like our men.”
“They are.” Nikolai grabs his gun. “But they belong to Gunsyn and Alexander now.” He pauses, staring sternly at Pavel. “We have to fight.”
“Your order?” Pavel’s tone is solemn.
“Shoot to kill.” Nikolai springs into action with a level of control and skill I’ve never seen before. It’s like watching a force of nature whip through the room. “Zakhar, get Eden to the SUV in the back. Pavel, you’re with me. Ivan and Maksim, head into the woods and cover!” Nikolai shouts, his voice cutting through the cacophony. “Is there a road out, Zakhar?”
Instantly, the panic in Dad’s eyes recedes. “Yes, if they’re on foot, they won’t be able to follow.” Zakhar grabs my hand. “Come on, Eden.” His grip is firm but gentle, pulling me through the pandemonium.
My panic is quickly overcome by the sound of a bullet whizzing past my ear. I flinch, but my resolve hurries my steps. We make our way to the hall, gunfire and shouting echoing behind us.
“Wait!” I gasp, catching sight of Nikolai locked in combat. My breath catches in my throat as he grapples with the man, their movements a blur of speed and violence. “We have to help him.”
“Eden, no?—”
But I pull away, and my feet carry me toward Nikolai with determination. I almost reach him, but a shot rings out. Nikolai’s gaze is fierce, and his movements are precise as his attacker falls to the ground.
I’m yanked back and carried toward the door. “Keep moving, Eden,” Zakhar says. “Don’t look back. Never look back.”
“Dad, what if?—”
“Focus on staying alive, Eden,” he replies sternly. “That’s all that matters.”
Zakhar slowly opens the back door, and his eyes scan for threats. Then we rush out, blinking against the chilly night air. Without hesitation, we jump into the vehicle and wait in the dark.
As the adrenaline fades, I try to catch my breath. I glance at Zakhar, his face pale and drawn, and my heart clenches with worry.
“Is this what it’s always like?” I ask quietly. “Living on the edge, never knowing when everything will go up in flames?”
“Sometimes,” he admits. “But you’ll get used to it.”
Nikolai and Pavel run toward the SUV, and their expressions are twisted in fury and regret. The doors open, and they jump in—Nikolai sits beside me while Pavel sits in the front passenger seat. The other SUV follows us as we lead the way through the overgrown lane.
“Eden,” Nikolai murmurs, taking my hand, “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” I ask, staring straight ahead.
“For dragging you into this mess,” he says, his grip tightening around mine.
I shake my head, meeting his gaze. “I chose to stay because I love you.”
“Love is a dangerous thing,” he replies quietly. His gaze fills with guilt, love, and something else I can’t quite place.
I squeeze his hand. “But it’s worth it.”
My heart may be shaken, but I’ll fight for us no matter what happens. I’m in too far to turn back.
From the driver’s seat, Dad looks at Nikolai in the mirror.
“If the Bratva didn’t completely turn on you before, they will now,” he remarks, an edge of bitterness in his voice.
