Page 64 of The Arrangement

As if my prayers are answered, Nicky appears, a shadow turned savior. The sight of him, gun raised and aimed at Aleksey, is so unexpected it's almost surreal. But the real shock comes when he reveals a badge—Nicky's a cop?

"Put the gun down, Aleksey. Now," he commands, his voice leaving no room for argument.

The revelation sends shockwaves through me.

Aleksey, looking like he's just lost the only game he's ever cared about, finally drops his gun. It's like someone hit the pause button on him. Meanwhile, our ride out of this mess decides it's showtime again, dropping a ladder down to us. Maksim insists I go first. Climbing up that ladder, I can't help but take a last look at the chaos we're leaving behind. The house, the swarming cops—it's a madhouse.

Once I'm safely inside, and Maksim follows, he slips into what I can only describe as boss mode. He starts barking orders like he's been doing this kind of dramatic escape his whole life.

"To the hospital," he says, all business, making sure I'm okay. And just like that, we're flying off into the night, the mansion and all its nightmares shrinking into the distance.

Maksim pulls me close, and I've gotta say, after a night like this, being in his arms is exactly where I want to be. It's been a rollercoaster, but with him by my side, I feel like we can handle whatever comes next. Plus, hospital or not, we're together, and right now, that's all that matters.

Chapter 34

Tory

While we're flying to safety, Maksim starts spilling the beans on the whole operation. Turns out, he's got a few buddies in the Chicago PD, guys who don't mind bending the rules for the right price. The original plan? Have a few cop cars roll up to Aleksey's place, put on a bit of a show to spook him into letting me go. Maksim's not one for showing his hand unless he absolutely has to. But me being in danger? That changed the game entirely.

But he looks genuinely puzzled.

What showed up... that was way more than a couple of cop cars. I wasn't expecting a helicopter. These are the Feds."

I can't help but chuckle, despite the craziness of it all. "So you didn't order the dramatic rescue?" I ask, half-teasing, half-amazed at the turn of events.

Maksim just shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He's got that look where he's trying to piece together a puzzle with half the pieces missing.

The moment we get to the hospital, Maksim switches into full-on protector mode, his focus laser-sharp on getting me seen by a doctor ASAP.

"Really, Maksim, I'm okay," I try to reassure him, attempting to slow his determined march to the emergency room.

But he's having none of it. With a determined look in his eye, he retorts, "Not a chance. We're not taking any risks with you or our little one. You're getting checked out, end of story."

I smile, despite the situation. His unwavering commitment to our well-being, this fierce protectiveness, it's both comforting and a tad overwhelming. "Okay, okay, Mr. Overprotective," I concede, playfully rolling my eyes. "Lead the way."

He glances back at me, a mix of concern and love softening his features. "Just doing my job. Keeping my favorite girls safe."

Girls? I grin, imagining he has some magical ability to know the sex of the little one inside me.

I’m whisked off to an examination room, and Maksim's right there, sticking close. When I grab his hand, look him in the eye, and assure him I'm really fine, he eases up a bit.

The doc finally gives me the all-clear, and I can't help but feel a bit amused. I was half expecting Maksim to flip if there was even a hint of bad news. But all's well, and seeing Maksim try to dial back his inner protector – just barely – is kind of funny, actually.

Right when I'm starting to really enjoy the calm after the storm, there's a knock at the door. Igor walks in, and you can almost see the tension melt off him when he sees we're both alright.

“Adelina and Irina are on their way,” he says. “They’re safe.” He turns to me and says, "Well, you've certainly had a memorable introduction into our world."

I smile at him. "Most fun I've had in years." That earns a chuckle from him. It's weirdly nice, finding humor after a night like we've had.

As Igor's gaze settles on Maksim, there's a gravity in his demeanor that wasn't there before. "I'm disappointed in Aleksey," he begins, his voice heavy with regret. "But he chose his path." He pauses, and there's a hint of introspection that suggests this situation has hit closer to home than he'd like to admit.

"This whole ordeal has been a wake-up call for me," Igor continues, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow. "I wasn't as attuned to the growing rift in our family as I should have been. Perhaps I'm more ready for retirement than I thought."

It's a moment of vulnerability from a man who has been in control for a long time, and it doesn't go unnoticed. Maksim, with his unshakable composure, responds with a nod, his face an open book of readiness to take on whatever comes next. "I'm ready, whenever you decide it's time," he assures his father, his voice firm and full of the resolve that's gotten us through the night.

The air in the room shifts slightly, filled with the unspoken understanding that transitions are on the horizon—not just for Igor and Maksim, but for all of us.

Sitting there, witnessing this exchange, I feel a surge of respect for both men. They're facing the aftermath of a crisis not just with resilience, but with a forward-looking gaze, ready to embrace whatever changes lie ahead.

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