Page 116 of Break Me

“Vy ne mozhete otlozhit’ smert’.” I shook my head. “You cannot postpone death.”

“What the hell does that mean and why was in her backpack?”

“It’s an old Russian proverb and something my father used to say when he disposed of his enemies.”

“That means the attacks are personal.”

Growling, I looked toward the city through the window, gritting my teeth. “They always are.”

CHAPTER 26

Halle

“This is crazy.” Kristine’s face was full of emotions. She was also loaded down with two suitcases with two duffle bags hanging on her arms.

“Shit. Let me grab some bags for you.”

She huffed, blowing bangs from her face. “I got it.”

I glared at the two men standing guard in the hallway. They were watching the two of us with expressions of sheer amusement. “You could have helped her.” The disdain in my voice was clear. Yes, I should be grateful they were standing guard, but neither one had said a word to me. Even after I’d offered them water or coffee, two of the few items in the condo that were plentiful.

They’d acted like statues. Just like they were doing right now.

“Don’t blame them. After you told me you’re being held captive, I didn’t want them touching your stuff.”

Groaning, I grabbed the two suitcases, bringing them inside and immediately slamming the door.

“Did you know there are like a dozen press members downstairs? Thank God they didn’t recognize me. That’s why I went back to my car and grabbed my hat. I was terrified they’d connect the dots.”

Both Alexsey’s and my phone had started ringing and as of this morning, I had fifteen messages from people I didn’t know. When would the press finally find another story in this damn town?

“So I heard.” I paid attention to her cap as she jerked it off, swishing her long hair behind her back. Hmmm…

“Auntie Krissy!” Emily came bounding into the room, jumping into my sister’s arms.

“Let me look at you. Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?”

Standing so my little girl couldn’t see, I pressed my finger against my lips, shaking my head to try to tell her without words to shut the hell up. So far, Emily had barely asked any questions, taking cues from Alexsey with him trying to make what she’d endured as an adventure. Maybe later we’d need to face her finally becoming terrified, but I was grateful she continued to think we were just on a little vacation.

If only that were true.

“I’m fine. Mr. Boyfriend promised me ice cream when we came home. He won’t forget. Will he, Mommy?”

She tipped her head in my direction, which allowed my sister to make a nasty face.

“Of course he won’t forget, baby girl. I think Auntie Krissy brought you some of your toys. Let’s get them into your room.” Emily all but jumped from Kristine’s arms, spinning in a circle, which she did when she was excited.

“Do you need any help?” she asked.

“Just make yourself at home. I’ll be right back.” With Alexsey gone, I had to maximize my time. He’d be pissed at me for even considering what I had in mind, but I wasn’t going to sit around in a fancy condominium and do nothing while my life was being stripped away.

Fury didn’t begin to describe the way I felt about what Liam had done. He’d been lying to me the entire time about the settlement. He’d put his own niece at risk health-wise for what? So he could become a drug dealer? Fuck him. He deserved to face my wrath.

I yanked the duffle bags from Kristine’s arms, giving her the same look she’d done with me before following behind my daughter. Once inside the guest room, I quickly unearthed her favorite toys, books, crayons, and her stuffie. “I’m going to go chat with Auntie Krissy. Will you be okay for a little while?”

“Yep. Fine, Mommy.”

Good. I was nervous. The little game I was playing could easily backfire. Plus, it would seem Kristine was in a shitty mood.