Page 57

CHAPTER 56

MIKHAIL

“I don’t know if we can trust Drago. Something was off last time. My father knew I was here.” I signal the waiter to bring me another shot.

“There aren't a lot of choices available who have been vetted.” Enzo sighs. “Otherwise, your best bet is to get in and out like you did last time. I just don’t think Ivan will make things easy on you a second time.”

I watch Zoya leaning over the bar to chat with the bartender. Her lips are so close to his ear, I can’t see what she’s saying.

“She’s pushing us to go to the safe house one last time. I guess there’s a few things she wants to pick up that might help Galena once she’s back. We’ll be at the new one within a few hours.” I glance at the door again.

Drago should be here soon.

This is one of the biggest night clubs in the area. Hopefully, it’s public enough that there shouldn’t be any troubles.

He’s impossible to miss when he walks in. He’s nearly as big as I am, maybe bigger, stalking across the room as if he owns the place.

“Welcome back, Mikhail. I’ve heard much has changed since the last time I saw you.” He holds out his hand to shake before he sits. “Congrats on the new wife, and kid on the way. A regular family man now?” He winks, crossing his ankle over his knee to reveal his tattoos extend all the way to his feet.

“You’re well informed, friend.” It makes me nervous how he knows. “Perhaps your eye for detail can help. I need to get back into Ivan’s compound to rescue my sister.”

Drago’s blue eyes widen. “Lara? She seems very capable. I haven’t heard from Alexei?—”

“No, my littlest, Galena.” I nod towards Zoya who approaches us.

Drago’s leg falls, flattening his shoe against the floor with a thump. “Tatiana! I didn’t—” His head tilts. “My apologies, I mistook you for someone else.”

Interesting.

Drago’s easy smile covers his mistake as he takes her palm and brings the back of her fingers to his mouth. “A pleasure.”

“Thank you. Are you here to help me get my daughter back?” Zoya sits close enough to me that her knee brushes my thigh.

Drago squints at me before smiling. “I’ll do my best. Ivan is a formidable foe, but I assure you, I’ll do everything I can to help.”

Every time my father’s name is mentioned, the hidden scar on my face itches.

“I’ll owe you for this one.” I know he can’t see it, but my jaw clenches.

Going into debt, in our line of work, is never something I like to do.

Drago grins and leans closer. “I like the sound of that.”

“This calls for a drink.” I raise my arm to the waiter. “Bring us a round.” I circle the table with my finger in the air.

When the glasses appear, I hold mine up to Drago. “Here’s to new friends.” I swallow the burning liquor.

Standing, I notice Zoya’s drink sits untouched. “Not thirsty?” I herd her towards the exit.

“Not really in the mood for alcohol.” She dabs her eyes. “I miss my daughter so much.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll get her back.” The drive to the safehouse is short.

Which is good, because the effect of the bourbon is hitting me stronger than I expected.

I guess married life is making me a bit of a lightweight.

“Wait here.” Zoya points towards the couch. “I just have a few things to get from Galena’s room, and then we can go.”

Fuck, this seat is comfortable. I sink into the thick cushions.

My eyes are so heavy, I’ll just close them for a moment.