Page 112 of Ghost

“I mean it,” he growled, wanting to alter her past with sheer will.That was impossible, but goddammit, he’d wash away her pain one kiss at a time if it took the rest of his life.

She rested her head against his chest.“Thank you.”

He folded his arms around her.“You don’t need to thank me.But you have a decision to make, babe.”

***

Inhaling Ghost’s masculinescent, Mila blinked away the moisture on her lashes.When he’d burst through the door, she’d been convinced she was hallucinating.

But his smooth, steady baritone voice was as real as her flesh.His hand moved up and down her back.She stayed in his embrace but tilted back her head.“What decision?”

His jaw hardened and his gray eyes flashed with an unrecognizable emotion.“I need you to tell me what you want done with Irinia.”

Her breath stilled.She blinked.His intent was as clear as day.

For years, she’d fantasized about having the upper hand over her kidnapper.In every scenario, she’d had a spiel—a powerful statement that’d make Irinia recognize her wrongdoings.But now, looking at the woman who’d irrevocably changed her life, Mila knew she’d never be remorseful.

Ghost’s fingers trailed over her hair.“I don’t want to push you into doing anything you’re not ready for, but we can’t leave this barn until she’s dealt with.If you want, you can leave with Rami or Zain and I’ll handle her.You don’t ever have to know what happened if—”

She shook her head.Part of her wanted to sink into his offer.To just walk out of here without another word, knowing she’d never see or hear from Irinia again.

But she still had things to say.

“I want to talk to her.”

Ghost frowned.“Not sure that’s a good idea.”

She gave him a sad smile.“I know.It’s something I need to do, though.”

He compressed his lips then slid one arm beneath her legs and the other around her back.He stood effortlessly with her cradled against him.“Are you sure?”

Mila’s throat constricted.She couldn’t speak.Her brain was overloaded with anticipation and, dammit, fear.She nodded.

He carried her close to Irinia then lowered her to the ground on her good foot.Her right ankle pulsed.She shoved the discomfort aside as she stared at the heinous woman she’d hated most of her life.

Despite being tied to a post, Irinia looked amused.Mila had hoped to see her squirm.

Ghost held Mila tightly around the waist.Her side leaned against his.

“Go on and kill me,” Irinia said with a smirk.“I’m not afraid of death.You were always so scared to leave this earth.I could never understand why.”

Mila fought the tsunami of hate building behind her chest and stinging her eyes.“I wasn’t afraid of dying, Madame.”She spat the title she’d been instructed to call Irinia when she was a small child dreaming of being a dancer.“I was afraid of never seeing my family again.Because until they died, I clung to that hope.Something you’d know nothing about because you’ve never loved anyone—probably not even yourself.”

Irinia said nothing.Just stared with contempt.

Ghost reached behind his back and pulled out a handgun.Slowly, he passed it to Mila.

She accepted the weapon.A quick bullet wasn’t enough to make Irinia pay.But in truth, nothing would be enough to make up for all Mila had lost.Even if Irinia were tortured for years, it wouldn’t take away the pain.Would never replace the grief.

All the suffering had to end, though.The sooner she killed Irinia, the sooner she could move on.

Mila inhaled a shuddering breath.“You’re evil, Irinia.Not a shred of good lies in your soul.If you think for one minute you’ll be reunited with Alexei, you’re wrong.He did bad things, but he had a good heart.”

A flash of something shimmered in Irinia’s eyes.Not quite regret, but close.

She raised the gun and aimed at Irinia’s head.“Alexei won’t be waiting for you.”She pulled the trigger.

The scent of gunpowder filled Mila’s nostrils.