Page 54 of Beyond the Temptation: Vol 2

“You don’t know what you are asking for.” The volatile possession in his frigid stare makes me feel like I’m running blindfolded into oncoming traffic.

What is it about this man that makes me lose all my self-control?

“Then show me.”

Mik invades my mouth with hot kisses that demand an answer. But it’s one I can’t give him, so he punishes me by driving his cock deep inside me. Afterward, his mask snaps back into place. Turning his back to me, he drags the sheet over his naked body. However, I boldly lie on the motel bed with his cum leaking out of me and plan.

Now that my life is on the line, there’s no time for a conservative strategy.

Besides, a Chernov doesn’t wait for danger to drop at her door.

She chases it back to the source.

CHAPTER NINE

MIKHAIL

A man who doesn’t exist can’t dwell in the same place for two consecutive nights, especially a ghost traveling with the Devil’s most prized possession. Although the roadside motel in St. Marys was deserted and unassuming, by the time Zasha had awoken, I’d already checked out and made new arrangements for tonight—a decision that earned me the silent treatment the whole way to Atlanta.

After stops for food and a change of clothes, it’s dark by the time we arrive at an old associate’s Buckhead mansion. Congressman Daniel Harris isn’t pleased with my request for his assistance, but after sparing his life from the bullet his opponent paid me to fire, he owes me.

Fucking politicians.

Now, as the clock nears midnight, I know I should be sleeping. I have to leave before dawn so I can get far enough away to text Niko without getting caught in his crosshairs.

As for Zasha…

Exhaling a rough breath, I palm the back of my neck while crossing through the living room. She’ll be angry when she wakes up alone, but she’ll be safe.

The kitchen is dark as I sit down at the table and pull my laptop out of my bag. Flipping it open, I slip past the veil of technology and dive back into the murky waters of the dark web.

There are at least twelve messages from Minx. Some inquire about my safety, but the majority curse me, my mother, and all my future children to hell for going rogue.

“What are you doing?”

I look up to see Zasha’s familiar silhouette leaning against the open doorway. She’s dressed in an oversized T-shirt and nothing else. Even in the darkness, my eyes seek out her shapely legs before traveling upward to settle on her troubled face.

“Looking for an update on you,” I admit, forcing my attention off her and back on the screen.

“Is there one?”

There’s no need to burden her with the news we’re being hunted.

“No,” I lie.

At least not from Minx.

Exiting our chat, I scroll through encrypted portals, searching for something—anything—that will give me a lead on who posted the hit. It’s a risky move. Beyond Minx’s secure line, I’m exposed.

I’m about to give up when a link catches my eye. I don’t know why I click on it, but I can’t stop myself. My breath quickens, and as a grainy picture pops up on the screen, the word beneath it all but stops my heart.

AVAILABLE.

In my world, that word has a very direct meaning. One no civilian believes can happen right under their noses.

No. It’s impossible.

But the more I stare, the more my throat constricts.

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