Page 181 of Mafia and Scars

I can’t move.

My body is locked, muscles trembling, fingers gripping the edge of the table at my side—like I’ll drop to the floor if I let go.

Viktor’s actions should terrify me.But they don’t.

“You’re safe now,” he says, even softer this time.

My gaze darts to his. My throat works, but no words come.

Safe.

It feels like a made-up word.

My hands are still shaking and clammy with sweat. “He’s gone?” The words sound like they’re coming from someone else.

Viktor looks at me, his brow deeply creased with concern. “Yes.”

A whoosh of air leaves my lungs, and I slide down to the floor.

The dam breaks, and my tears flow down my cheeks like a flood. “He w-was…” My voice cracks. I can’t even speak now as my crying takes over.

“I wouldn’t have let him.” Viktor’s words are so sure. So solid.

The adrenaline is wearing off fast, and shock is taking its place. I start to shiver. Ice crawls through me, turning the sweat into a cold blanket around me.

Viktor sinks down beside me. “Come here,” he murmurs.

And he wraps me in his strong embrace. Not hesitating. Not flinching. Even though I know he still finds touch hard. But he doesn’t care about any of that. Because all he wants to do is comfort me.

He speaks soothing words into my hair. “You’re safe. You’re safe now,” he whispers again and again.

And he lets me cry against his chest.

Footsteps echo in the hallway outside, and two men with tattoos, black shirts, and dark jeans come sauntering in. It’s Matvey and Nikolai.

Viktor looks over his shoulder at the two men. “Matvey, hack into the system and make it look like he was stealing money from the company.” He barks the command. “It’ll mean he can’t change his mind and come back here. This place needs to be safe for when Avelina comes to work here.”

Safe.There’s that word again.

“Nikolai, call your contact at the police department in case he tries to report what just happened.”

They both nod and get to work, Matvey getting to work on a laptop, while Nikolai gets on his cell.

“Let’s get you out of here,” he says to me, gently finding my elbow and lifting me up.

We stop outside the conference room. “I—” My voice is barely a croak, and I swallow hard.

“He was going to hurt you.” His jaw tightens. “I won’t let that happen to you.Ever.”

The words slam into me. There’s no bravado in his voice. He’s just stating a fact—like the way someone would state the sky is blue on a sunny day.

My knees feel weak, and I drag in a breath that doesn’t quite feel like enough.

Without another word, Viktor guides me toward my little desk and sits me in the chair.

Minutes stretch.

My pulse hasn’t slowed.