Page 76 of Darkest Game

“True. I don’t like this life Liam is involved in. But he said that you’re kind. The kindest person he’s ever met. I had to see it for myself.”

“And?”

“And it’s hard to tell from a hospital bed. But if he says you’re sweet, then I want that for him. A wife who brings out the good in him. Can you do that?”

“Ma, don’t put that pressure on her.” Liam offers me a kind smile that only makes him more handsome. “Sorry about her. She can push some boundaries.”

“I’ll try to be good,” I answer. “If he tries for me.”

Liam huffs. “Me? Good? Never. I’m just happy you’re alive. I’m not sure what I would have done if you had… died.”

Ashley lets my hand go. “I’ll give you two some space. And once you’re feeling better, I want you to come over to my housefor dinner. I want to celebrate my son being married. I don’t want to miss out on this part of his life.”

She’s speaking like me and Liam still have a future. I hope we do but I know Nico and Mikhail are still itching to kill him. And if Elaine wins…

“Ma,” Liam says.

“I can’t help the offer,” she says. “But I’m going.” She gives Liam a kiss on the cheek. “Take care of this girl. Make me proud.”

His eyes darken but he nods. “I’ll try.”

“I know that’s all I’m going to get from you.” She leaves the room with a last wave at me and is replaced with Nico and Mikhail.

“So, one of my guys has a lead on Elaine,” Mikhail explains. “We can take her by surprise. Kill her. But we have to go tonight.”

Liam looks at me. “I can’t leave Irina alone.”

“I’ll have multiple guards keep an eye on her,” Mikhail says. “And we’ll let the nurses and doctors know to not let anyone into this room who isn’t us. Good?”

Liam hesitates.

“You wanted Elaine dead,” Mikhail tells him. “This is your chance.”

“Go,” I say. “Protect us both.”

Liam takes my hand and kisses it. The gesture is so intimate that it almost takes my breath away, especially since he does it right in front of Nico and Mikhail.

“I’ll end her,” Liam promises.

I have to believe it because what else do I have?

Liam

“So, where is she?” I ask when we all get into Mikhail’s car.

“My guy said she was spotted at a restaurant a few miles from here. An Irish one. We go in, shoot anyone down who comes at us, and kill her before she can kill us.”

“Sounds like a plan,” I say. “But how did your guy find her? And who is this guy of yours?”

“One of my most trusted allies. Now shut the fuck up.”

I clench my hands into fists. “You should know something, Mikhail. I killed the last man who spoke to me this way. So I would be careful.”

“Let’s just all try to get along,” Nico says. “Even if I do hate the sight of both of your faces.”

That diffuses some of the tension in the car.

It’s a short drive to the restaurant but it feels like eternity being trapped in the car with my enemies.