Page 88 of The Pakhan's Arranged Bride

“Do it,” I whisper, my heart spinning with a sick revolt of excitement to finally witness the moment Miron’s life ended.

Benedikt pulls a knife from his belt, and in slow motion, he presses it against Miron’s throat with the blade pointing upwards, towards his skull. He releases the hand holding Miron up. And he drops, right onto the blade.

It slips into his flesh, up through his jaw, piercing out the top of his skull.

Benedikt lets go of the knife, dropping Miron, the blade embedded in his head. I stare in disbelief, unable to move, watching the life drain from the man I’ve hated for so long.

Miron’s eyes twitch towards me. His lips move, but nothing comes out. His eyes roll, his body fighting, even in the last seconds.

Blood gushes from his wound, pouring down the front of his shirt.

I see it happen. The moment he dies.

The light snaps off behind his eyes. His body becomes an empty shell.

He’s gone.

Miron is gone.

Benedikt slips his arms around me and lifts me, cradling me against his broad chest.

“I’m so sorry, I got here as fast as I could,” he says, filled with pain.

“I’m okay. I’m alright,” I whisper, clinging to him.

“Did he—did he—"

“No.”

Benedikt lets out a heavy breath, relief spilling from him. He holds me tighter. “It was Ardalion who saw Miron coming here. One of his men called it in and he called me. I knew you were here because I tracked your car. I’m sorry—I had to know you were safe. But then, when I heard Miron was coming here too—I’m so sorry I didn’t get her sooner, Ulyana.”

I lean back and grab his face. “Yousavedme,” I say, smiling. I can’t stop smiling, I can’t stop the relief, the adrenaline, the weight that’s lifted off my shoulders because that man is dead.

Benedikt nods, his brows furrowed. He’s not as happy as I am, he’s still worried about what I went through and worried that he didn’t get here soon enough.

But he did.And he saved me.And I love him.

I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him as tight as I can.

Jadon runs into the hotel room.

“Fuck,” he mutters, looking around. “You made sure he wasn’t going anywhere. Looks like I missed the party,” he chuckles.

Benedikt sets me on my feet but holds my hand tightly.

“Will you deal with this mess?” he asks Jadon.

“Of course, consider it done. I’ll call you later,” he answers, gesturing for Benedikt to leave.

Benedikt takes off his jacket and wraps it around my shoulders.

He leads me towards the door, holding me against his side.

I steal one last glance at Miron and smile.

He’s really dead.

He finally got what he deserved.