Page 48 of Brutal Reign

As the helicopter lifts off, Pavel swings back around and empties the clip in rapid succession, muzzle flashes lighting up his face, but the chopper takes flight, carrying Simon away with it.

Neither of us move. My muscles have locked, useless and trembling, as if my body’s forgotten how to function. He’s still covering me even after the helicopter rumble fades into the distance.

What the hell just happened?

I can feel the hammer of his heart against my back and the heat of his breath against my hair. I barely catch the rough, low murmur of Russian. It takes me a minute to realize he’s not talking to me. He’s talking into some comms system. Reporting Simon’s escape, no doubt.

I’m still too stunned to shove him away, too aware that my so-called enemy saved my life. Talk about a plot twist.

When he finally releases me, I turn and sag against the tree, adrenaline no longer masking the exhaustion crawling through my limbs. I glance up at him—this man I once trusted with the most fragile parts of myself—and for a heartbeat, neither of us speaks. His eyes bore into mine.

His hand moves toward my cheek, fingers almost brushing my skin. “Are you hurt?”

I jerk back before he can make contact.

“Why?” My voice comes out broken and hoarse. I don’t even know what exactly I mean.

All of it. Everything.

Why did he trick me? Why is he here? Did he save my life so he could torture information out of me? And perhaps, most of all, what the fuck happened five years ago?

“You’ll have to be a little more specific. We have a lot to catch up on, Hope.” He cocks his head, with a little smile. “Are you asking why I’m here? Because that’s actually quite simple.” He steps toward me, caging me between his chest and the bark. His hands never touch me, but heat radiates off him like wildfire.

I swallow hard, struggling to think clearly when every nerve ending is hyperaware of his proximity.

“I came here to make sure the Black Company stayed dead and buried where it belongs. But stopping Simon from putting his ring on your finger?” His voice drops a register. “That was personal.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “How noble of you. Well, mission accomplished. There’s no ring on my finger. But if you want to destroy the triad, you should really go after Simon.”

I point in the direction of his helicopter and then spin around and start marching toward the house. I need to get to Kin, and I pray like hell he’s still there.

I’ve barely taken five steps when Pavel is in front of me blocking my path. “You’re not going anywhere.”His voice is low and smooth, almost a purr. “I’ve been waiting a long time to see you again and I have no intention of letting you go.”

My heart pounds furiously. Simon warned me that the Syndicate will want information. They’ll probably torture me for triad secrets that I don’t have.

“I hate to break it to you, but I don't know anything useful. Simon was only marrying me for my name and bloodline. I was never involved in the business and never wanted to be. All I've ever wanted was to get out of this world and find some peace for me and my?—”

I clamp my mouth shut before the word “son” can leave my lips, and I will my face to stay blank. He hasn’t mentioned Kin’s existence so far, and I’m guessing that’s because he doesn’t know he exists. I need to keep it that way.

“Peace for you and your what?”

I shake my head firmly. “Nothing. No one.”

His eyes darken. “It’s too late for peace. You’re already in the middle of this war.”

I have no idea what he means by that, but whatever his plans are for me, I’d rather not stick around long enough to find out.

My eyes drift to the weapon in his grip. Would he shoot me if I made a run for it? It’s a chance I have to take. Most of the guards and security were stationed around the dock and guest helipad. If I could make it there, maybe there’s someone still alive to help me get to Kin and escape.

Fear grips me as I realize I don’t even know if my son is still safely hidden. What if the explosions sent Mei into panic? What if they tried to evacuate and got caught in the crossfire? I can’t breathe past the tight coil inside me when I consider all the possibilities.

Fuck it. I’ll have to take that chance.

Betting on the element of surprise, I kick off my heels and in one swift movement, I spin and take off running, my bare feet silent on the grass as I race toward the main estate.

Behind me, Pavel laughs. It’s a dark, rasping sound that makes dread move through me.

“You can run from me,angel moy. I love to chase. But when I catch you, and I will, I won’t let you go.”