Page 112 of Her Darkest Possession

"I mean that we survived because we were unpredictable. We did things our enemies never expected." I sit up straighter, my mind racing. "When Grisha took me on that train, I survived because I did something he didn't anticipate. And when you came for me at the mansion, you broke through because you attacked from multiple directions."

"I guess we did, didn't we?"

"If you go after Taras with a frontal assault—even with Killian's help—you'll be walking into exactly what he's expecting. Taras will be waiting for you, and Taras will kill you."

His jaw tightens as he processes my words.

"What are you suggesting then?"

"Don't go to them," I say, the plan forming as I speak. "Make them come to you."

"And how exactly would I accomplish that?"

I stand up, too restless to remain seated as my thoughts race. "We need to make Taras think the war is over. That he's won. And that he's being invited to claim his prize."

Suddenly, it clicks.

"Killian!" I spin to face Anatoly. "What if you go to Killian, but instead of asking him to join an attack, you have him pretend that he's holding you prisoner? He could tell Taras he captured you and is offering him the chance to execute you personally as compensation for Lola and Grisha's death."

Anatoly's eyes widen slightly.

"They'll both come," I continue, the plan unfurling rapidly now as I speak. "Taras for vengeance and Valentina to see the son who disowned her finally fall. And once they're both there..."

"We spring the trap," Anatoly finishes, a dangerous gleam entering his eyes. "And kill them both."

"Yes."

"That's brilliant,britvochka." He takes my hand in his. "You're brilliant. As brilliant as you were in that barbershop when you held a razor to my throat."

I can't help smiling sadly now. "You mean when I tried to kill you before you could kill me?"

"Yes. And I should've realized back then that you were doing exactly what you proposed in this plan just now." He squeezes my hand gently. "Never do what your enemy expects."

"Can't say that I'm not consistent."

He brings my hand up to his lips to plant one soft kiss after another on my knuckles.

"You made a good plan," he says, each word deliberate and solid as stone. "And when it's over,britvochka, I'll come back. To you and to our baby." His voice softens. "We'll rebuild everything exactly the way we want it. The way you deserve. And then I'll spend the rest of my days with you until the sun burns out and all the stars fall from the sky. Because I love you, Indigo."

I thumb over the tops of his fingers, and bring them close to my lips now, smelling the bitter tang of smoke and ash still clinging to his skin.

This man walked through fire to save me.

How many others would do that?

I lean forward until our foreheads touch and breathe deeply. Underneath the smoke and ash, I can detect the light unmistakable scent that is just him.

The smell of safety.

The smell of home.

"I know you'll make this plan work." I tell him. "And when you come back to me, we'll rebuild everything exactly the way we want it. The way we deserve. And I can't wait to spend the rest of my days with you until the sun burns out and all the stars fall from the sky. Because I love you, too, Anatoly."

31

ANATOLY

Killian raisesa glass as he stares at me in the back office of The Devil's Shamrock. The club outside is empty, closed for a "private party" tonight.