Page 181

This has to be my father. No one else would be so bold. I can’t let him take Tatiana and Gregory. They’re my priority right now.

“Give me a gun!” I snap at Anatoly.

He doesn’t hesitate this time. He tosses me a pistol, and I grip it tightly, my hands surprisingly steady. I shift just enough to peek through the shattered window, aiming for the closest target.

Bang.

One of them drops.

But it barely makes a difference. More take his place, swarming the SUV like vultures.

The vehicle rocks as someone swings a crowbar against the reinforced windows. Another fires at the tires, trying to disable us completely.

Vlad slams the gas, attempting to get away.

Boom.

An RPG fires, and the SUV explodes at the front, sending us flipping through the air.

A scream rips from my throat as we crash onto our side, metal groaning, glass raining down. Pain jolts through my ribs as I’m thrown against the door.

“Tatiana! Gregory!” I scream.

But I don’t hear them. Their eyes are closed.

Oh my God. Are they dead?

No, they can’t be!

I reach for them, needing to check if they’re alive, to get them out so we can somehow get away. But suddenly, hands wrench open the door, two masked men dragging me out.

“Dvai suka.” A man calls me a bitch as he pulls me out while I thrash, kicking and clawing my way out of the wreckage.

I see them doing the same to Tatiana and Gregory.

Nonono!

“Please, leave them alone!” I beg, but I know it’s no use.

Gunshots ring out as one of the men points a weapon at Vlad and Anatoly and blood starts seeping from their heads.

“No!” I scream.

But it’s useless. They’re dead.

A fist slams into my stomach, knocking the air from my lungs. Before I can recover, a rough hand grabs my hair and yanks my head back.

“Enough,” another voice snaps. One I don’t recognize.

Then…darkness.

A woven hood is placed over my head, and I’m shoved into a vehicle. My body slams against the seat as it speeds off, tires screeching.

I don’t know where we’re going. But I know who sent them: my father and brother. There’s no doubt.

And I know one thing. This isn’t just a kidnapping.

It’s an execution. Mine.