Page 189

I nod. Then I put a bullet in his head.

As I reach the stairwell, something slams into my shoulder, fire tearing through my flesh. I stagger, but keep going, one mission on my mind.

Get her and her siblings out.

Pain rips through my arm as I reach the top, blood soaking through my shirt. I ignore it.

Then I hear her.

“It’s okay. They’ll be here. Don’t worry.”

Relief crashes over me. She’s alive. My baby’s alive.

I take a few quiet steps forward, peering inside. The second she sees me, her eyes widen. Just for a moment.

Her face, though…it’s badly bruised.

Rage explodes inside me. Someone hurt her. And they’re going to pay. Slowly and painfully.

Gregory sits slumped in the corner, while Tatiana is tied up on the floor.

That sick bastard really did this to his own kids. If Konstantin hasn’t already ripped him apart, I’ll do it myself.

Scanning the room, I spot a lone guard watching them, his back turned. I meet Dinara’s gaze and press a finger to my lips.

The second he moves away from her, I fire. A single shot to the back of the head.

He drops instantly.

“Cillian!” she cries as I rush to her, cupping her face in my hands.

“Fuck, baby. I’m so happy to see you.”

I kiss her, pressing my lips to her forehead, then pull out the flip knife attached to my keychain.

“Who hurt you?” My hands are steady, but my fury is a storm inside me.

“Don’t worry about me,” she says, but her expression shifts when she sees my arm. “You’re shot!”

“Tell me who hurt you.” My jaw clenches, muscles burning with the need for vengeance.

“My father. Roman. Take your pick.” She tries to laugh, but winces, her pain twisting like a knife in my gut.

“Where does it hurt?”

She silently gestures to her stomach. As I lift her shirt just enough to see, a sharp, searing rage claws its way through me, tightening my chest and setting my pulse hammering. Deep, ugly bruises stain her flesh, a stark contrast against her pale skin. My jaw locks so tightly, it feels like my teeth might crack.

“It’s okay,” she says quickly. “I’m okay.”

But it’s not.

Gunfire rages beneath us. We can’t leave yet, and that fucking kills me. She could have internal injuries. I need to get her out now.

“Are you two okay?” I glance at Gregory and Tatiana, having forgotten they were here for a minute.

Gregory nods weakly from where he sits, knees curled to his chest. Tatiana’s eyes are filled with fear.

“When can we go?” Gregory asks in a shaky voice while I massage Dinara’s wrists.