Page 91 of Cruel Love

“So do I.”

“I’ll never forget you...” I bow again to kiss her shoulder. “Your courage. Your beauty.”

She hums. “I knew you would take care of me,” she says. “You always have.”

I gaze into her eyes. My perfect Sofia. “Ti amo,” I say in her tongue.

Our lips brush again, creating a tempting fire between us, but now isn’t the time for celebration.

Tonight, I will avenge her. And Rosalie. And my father.

I promise you, lyubov’ moya.

Giovani Zappia won’t make it out of Russia alive.

Chapter 27

Boxcar

My guts churn as soon as the house comes into view. I remember being so happy to see it the first time. I was cold, starving, and tired. The dark blue color on the outside filled my heart with joy and I relished in the opportunity to crack the security wide-open. I wanted nothing more than to get inside and take a nap. Maybe a shower, too.

Now, I just want to bolt.

“We’ve got company.”

I slow down and follow Archer’s gesture ahead of us. A man in black tactical gear walks along the tree line with a rifle slumped over his shoulder, unaware of our presence. I slink back to hide while Lilah eases forward with silent steps.

“Wasps,” she says. “Someone’s home…”

“Marilyn herself, maybe?” I ask, cringing.

Archer furrows his brow. “If that’s the case, then we need to pull back. Call the others. Make a new plan.”

“Screw that,” Lilah spits. “If we can end this now, then we should.”

“You don’t know for sure she’s in there and there could be a lot more agents.”

“No one I can’t handle.”

He flexes his jaw. “Don’t be foolish, love.”

She pushes forward, ignoring his warning.

“Dammit,” he whispers.

I reach out and snap my fingers. “Lilah, wait—” She pauses. “There’s a security hub on the east side of the house. If I can crack into it, we’ll be able to access their security cameras and see who’s inside.”

She nods. “East side?”

“That’s where it was before.”

“I’ll clear a path for you.”

Archer lowers his head as she continues toward the tree line. “We shouldn’t be doing this,” he says.

“I agree,” I reply. “But if she’s in the mood to kill people, it’s better them than me.”

He gives a hesitant side-eye but ultimately continues forward along her trail. I stay a few paces behind, telling myself I’m being helpful by keeping an eye on “our six.” It reminds me of being in the desert all over again. The difference now is I’m not madly in love with the strong woman leading the pack and I’m fairly sure Lilah wouldn’t give a crap if I dropped dead.

---