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I hit the car’s Bluetooth. "I want visuals. Keep her tracker active," I order, hearing the click of radios on the other end as my security team coordinates.
"ETA in three minutes," one of them confirms, the calm professionalism comforting me, but three minutes feels like an eternity.
The signal from Lara’s tracker finally stops moving, settling on a location. As I guessed, at my father’s abandoned warehouse. I slam my foot on the brake as I reach the address, skidding to a stop just outside the looming structure. I can hear the hum of other engines pulling up behind me—my guards arriving, the sound of doors slamming shut as they jump out.
"Cover all exits," I shout, leaping out of my car. "But leave Nikolai to me."
My heart is hammering as I charge toward the entrance, fury searing through my veins. I don’t wait for backup, don’t hesitate—I kick open the door and storm inside. The cold air hits me like a slap, but I barely feel it.
"Lara!" I shout, my voice reverberating through the hollow building. There’s no response. My steps echo against the concrete floors, the dark, empty space amplifying the urgency in my chest.
Suddenly, I hear a muffled cry, faint but distinct. Lara. I sprint toward the sound, every fiber of me focused on finding her. I crash through a rusted metal door, and that’s when I see them.
Nikolai has her pinned against a wall, his hands rough and ugly, and Lara’s face is contorted with terror. The sight sends a surge of rage through me, a blinding, murderous rage.
"Get the fuck off her!" I roar, charging toward him like a man possessed.
Nikolai spins around, his face contorting with surprise.
I don’t give him a second to recover. I slam into him, ripping him away from Lara with virulent vindictiveness. He stumbles back, and I seize the opening, landing a vicious punch straight to his face. His head snaps to the side, and I watch his blood spray from his nose and satisfaction courses through me.
“Ivan!” Lara’s voice is hoarse and desperate, but I can’t tear my eyes away from Nikolai.
“You fucking piece of shit,” I snarl, shoving him against the wall. I grab him by the throat, squeezing hard. “You dare touch her?” My words are barely coherent, each syllable seething with rage.
He wheezes, trying to claw at my hand, but I tighten my grip, feeling his skin slick with sweat. He throws a wild punch, but it’s weak, a pathetic attempt to defend himself. I slam him against the wall again, the impact shaking the metal wall.
“You fucking coward,” I hiss, my face inches from his. “You think you can just take what you want?” I ram my knee into his stomach, feeling the air rush out of him.
Nikolai crumples to the ground, gasping for breath, but I’m not finished. I kick him in the ribs, hard, relishing the way he groans in pain. “This is just the beginning,” I promise, my voice low and menacing. “You’re going to pay for every lie, every betrayal.”
“Fuck you,” he spits, blood dripping from his mouth. He tries to stand, but I punch him again, harder, feeling the satisfying crack of bone beneath my knuckles.
“Ivan, stop!” Lara cries, her voice desperate, but I barely hear her. All I can see is Nikolai’s face, twisted with fear and defiance. I grab him by the collar, pulling him close.
“You’re going to confess,” I growl, my voice shaking with fury. I want to finish him off right here, but that would be stupid. I have too much to love. “To everything. Or I swear I’ll make your death slow and agonizing.”
His eyes flicker with fear for the first time, and I know he believes me. He knows I’m capable of every promise I make.
“Get him out of here,” I order, shoving him toward my security detail. “And don’t let him out of your sight.”
They grab him and restrain him quickly, and I turn back to Lara. She’s collapsed on the floor, her body shaking with sobs. My heart wrenches at the sight of her in a heap. I kneel beside her, my voice breaking.
“It’s okay,” I whisper, pulling her into my arms. “It’s over. You’re safe now.”
She clings to me, her fingers digging into my skin as if afraid I’ll disappear. I hold her tighter, pressing my lips to her forehead, desperate to reassure her.
“I’m sorry,” I say, my voice raw and filled with regret. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
We don’t waste any more time. I carry her out of the warehouse, cradling her against my chest, and load her into my car. I drive with one hand, the other gripping hers tightly, feeling her trembling lessen as we speed away.
When we reach home, I don’t say a word as I lead her inside. Her body is covered in dirt and the remnants of Nikolai’s violation, and I can see the disgust in her eyes. I take her to the bathroom and turn on the shower, the sound of the water somehow comforting.
“Come here,” I say softly, helping her step inside.
The warm spray cascades over us, steam filling the small space. Lara’s body is tense at first, but I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. I can feel her start to relax, the water washing away the grime, the fear.
“Ivan,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. Her eyes are wide, haunted.