Page 107 of Thorns of Silence

“It was just a poor attempt at a robbery,” Sasha signed with a bored expression. “Sometimes those happen here, especially around Mardi Gras season.” A breeze touched my cheek despite everyone crowding me. My eyes flickered to the other version of Sasha that seemed somehow older and bigger. “This is my brother Vasili.”

Their gazes fell to me and I looked back at Tatiana. She stood with another man with the same freaky shade of eyes, except this one didn’t wear a suit. He was even more terrifying despite his casual wardrobe—cargo pants and a black T-shirt.

Tatiana closed the distance between us and came down to meet me where I still lay on the floor.

“You’re safe with us.” She was so fucking wrong. Nobody was safe with these men. The Nikolaevs were some of the most feared men in the United States. “My brothers wouldn’t hurt a fly.” I barely stifled a snort. Everyone in the underworld hurt someone. They were no exception.

“Come home with us. At least until you’re feeling better,” Branka said, speaking slowly.

My mind started working vigorously. It could be a way to get close to Skye. My only chance, considering how well this family protected their own.

I nodded, determination taking shape inside me.

My breaths came out steady. The knot in my chest loosened. My decision was made.

I would betray the devil himself to get my daughter back. Why not the Nikolaevs too?

FORTY-THREE

DANTE

“Where are you going to start?” Amon asked while making last-minute arrangements for his honeymoon.

“Fuck if I know,” I muttered.

I hated to admit it, but I was jealous of my own brother. He deserved happiness, both Reina and Amon did, yet it was hard to stand by and watch. Not when Phoenix had disappeared without a trace, taking my hopes for our future with her.

Maybe she’s scared, my mind whispered. I cringed. For as long as I lived, I would never forget the way she’d looked at me in my office all those years ago. I didn’t remember much apart from my vision going dark. When it hit me what I’d done, that I’d let myself black out when she was in my care, there was fear in her eyes and bruises already forming around her neck.

I shook my head and got up from my seat, resuming my pacing. My eyes darted to the monitors Amon had all over the office, where he was using facial recognition to search for Mother, Hiroshi, and Phoenix.

Fuck, these blackouts would have to stop. I couldn’t risk hurting her again. Maybe I could pay attention to the signs and then lock myself away until I was back to normal. None of the usual triggers—alcohol or rage—were present that night when it happened with her though. It happened without a single warning sign.

“Maybe start at her Malibu home,” Amon suggested from his seat by the monitors.

I thought about it, but it was too obvious a place to hide. Considering I had no other leads, I didn’t really have anything to lose though.

I stalked out onto the patio that was connected to Amon’s office, flexing my fingers. I needed to cool off. Reina didn’t need to see me lashing out, and Amon needed peace to deal with the aftermath of his wife’s kidnapping.

I braced my arms against the banister and let my eyes wander over the vast blue sea while my thoughts traveled to the woman with the same crystal blue eyes. For the past five years, I’d felt like something—someone—had been slipping through my fingers. The only time I felt as if I was whole was whenshewas around.

And then there was the worry of her roaming the planet alone and unprotected. What if something happened to her? What if someone tried to take advantage of her?

Steps sounded behind me and I flicked a glance over my shoulder. “What do you need from me?”

I turned, facing him. “Take care of yourself and your wife.”

Amon nodded. “And happy hunting to you, brother.”

The thrill of the impending chase spread through my veins like adrenaline.

There was no chance I would let her go. I wouldn’t stop until Phoenix Romero was mine, and if I had to turn over every single stone and kill every fucking person, I would. I’d find my Nix.

* * *

I caught Dr. Freud as I was leaving Amon’s compound, just as she was about to enter the vehicle Amon had arranged to get her back to the airport.

The woman had the audacity to roll her eyes when she spotted me.