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CHAPTER 5

MIKHAIL

My stitches pull when I raise my arm to knock.

It only takes a moment for her to answer. She hasn’t changed since the last time I saw her, except the fear in her dark eyes has been replaced with an eager shine.

“Hello, Mikhail. I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again.” She gives me a soft smile, then backs away to let me in.

“Zoya. You’re the only place in Russia I know is safe. Thank you for agreeing to let me stay temporarily.” Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I push past her into the living room.

I wouldn’t call it exactly lavish, but certainly comfortable.

It seems she’s done incredibly well with the money I’ve sent.

“Where’s Galena? I’d like to see my sister.” I glance around, but don’t see her.

Zoya's to the end of the hall, gesturing to the first room. “You can have this one. She’s at the neighbor’s house playing with the other children. I’ll be leaving shortly to bring her back.”

That riles me immediately. “Do you trust those people?” I growl, dropping my duffel next to an ornate dresser.

Her eyes widen and she steps back. “Of course. I’ve used the fake names since day one.” Her fingers land at her collar. “Do you think I’d want to put my daughter in danger?” There’s an edge to her voice.

“Sorry. Instinct. You’ve been buffered from the hell my father has brought down in search of you both.” I slump onto the corner of the mattress. The weight of the past year suddenly feels very heavy.

“Oh. I can’t even imagine.” She crosses her arms over her belly. “Is that why you’re here?” Chewing on her red bottom lip, her brows furrow as she watches me.

“Yes. He took someone important in retaliation. That’s why I’m here, to get close enough to get her back.”

Her head tilts, draping the side of her face with her long black hair. “Is she special to you?”

“No. I don’t even know her, really. But, like you, I’ve been tasked to protect her.” The burner phone that Drago got for me from Enzo vibrates in my pocket. “I have to take this.”

Zoya doesn’t move for a moment, but then backs out of the room. “Sorry.”

“Enzo?” I keep my tone low.

The less anyone knows, including Zoya, the better.

“Word is, your father is taking Anastasia as his new bride.” Enzo sighs into the speaker. “There isn’t much that surprises me anymore, except Ivan.”

“Wait, he took her to force her hand? Fuck.” I have to get her out of there before that happens. “That bumps up the timeline. I have to go tomorrow. This will be the key to getting him to drop his guard. He got reckless when Zoya disappeared. This might be his tipping point that I can use to finally end him.”

“Mikhail,” Enzo grumbles. “I can’t get you any backup though. Drago said he’s played his hand and won’t send men.”

“Then I guess I’ll have to just do it myself. Hopefully the crash diversion worked. Drago is the only one on this end who knows I’m alive, and he works for Tatiana.” I put all my trust in him, I hope it doesn’t bite me in the ass.

“Did you see her?” Enzo’s voice raises.

“No. But I’m sure I will when it’s time for debts to be called in. Even though Drago said I don’t owe him, I have my doubts.” And I know how cruel her payments can be.

Alexei spent months in the Russian gulag to fulfill one of them.

Movement catches my focus when Zoya reappears holding a steaming cup.

Soundlessly, she sets it on the table nearby.

When I pick it up, the heady smell of coffee and liqueur warms me before I even have a sip.

“Thank you.” I mouth, holding my cell away from my ear.

She smiles, then leaves.

I feel bad for her, trapped in isolation and fear of Ivan for all of these years. No wonder she always tries to extend any call with me or Enzo.

“What are you going to do?” Enzo brings me back to the conversation.

“Fuck. The only thing I can, kidnap her back.”