Page 60 of The Arrangement

There's no time to dwell on my newfound combat skills. I've got an escape to make and a warning to deliver. Still, as I step over Nicky, making my way out of the basement, I can't help but feel a tiny bit of pride.

With a quick, decisive motion, I slam the door shut and twist the key, locking Nicky on the other side. Who knew the guy would make it so easy for me? Key left in the door and all. I pause for just a second, taking in the silence of the basement. No sign of the other guard, thankfully. Looks like luck might actually be on my side for once.

I don't waste another moment, sprinting for the stairs. My heart's pounding like it's trying to break free from my chest, every step fueled by adrenaline and sheer will to get out. The thought of running into a locked door at the top sends a fresh wave of panic through me, but I push it aside.

Bursting into Aleksey's house from the basement is like entering enemy territory. The lavish decor that seemed so extravagant during the day now feels like a maze of shadows and potential hiding spots for the guards. It's nighttime, the cover of darkness both a blessing and a curse. I thank every lucky star that darkness is playing for Team Tory tonight.

Moving with caution, I channel every stealthy character I've ever admired. Each step is measured, each breath controlled. I make it halfway across the main hallway when I hear voices—Aleksey and his crew, by the sound of it.

My heart skips a beat, and I dive behind a wall, pressing myself as flat as possible. Peeking around the corner, I see them, Aleksey and his inner circle, too caught up in their discussion to notice me. The darkness, my unexpected ally, wraps around me, hiding me from their view.

They start talking again, and I'm all ears, hidden in my little nook of darkness.

Aleksey's voice slithers through the air. "When Maksim gets here, we'll play nice. Offer him a chat, a little heart-to-heart."

One of his goons, sounding way too excited for my liking, chimes in, "And then, when he's least expecting it—boom!"

Aleksey laughs, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Exactly. He won't even see it coming. Tory's the perfect bait. After we take care of him, it's open season on my father and his crew."

The casual way they're plotting this, like they're discussing some twisted party plans, makes my stomach turn.

As they move away, their laughter echoing down the hall, I gather my courage. This isn't just about sneaking around anymore. It's about blowing Aleksey's plan wide open, saving Maksim, and getting the hell out of this house of horrors.

As I sneak through the dimly lit hallways of Aleksey's mansion, my heart is thumping wildly. Each door I try is stubbornly locked, increasing my panic with each failed attempt. With no other options, I race up the stairs, desperately hoping for an escape.

But the next floor is just as bleak and unwelcoming. I dash along the corridor, trying each window in turn, but they're all securely locked. My heart sinks deeper with each attempt, the walls seeming to close in around me, the air growing thinner with my rising panic.

Suddenly, the sharp shriek of an alarm pierces the heavy silence, freezing me in my tracks.

I'm caught.

The house erupts into a frenzy, lights flickering on, casting long, sinister shadows that reach out like fingers ready to ensnare me. My instincts kick in—I run, my breaths short and sharp, echoing the frantic pounding of my heart.

Rounding a corner, the ominous thud of boots coming up the staircase signals the approach of the guards. Desperation lends speed to my steps, but the hallway ends abruptly. I'm trapped. I whirl around, heart in my throat, as the guards appear, their guns raised and ready.

And there he is—Aleksey, emerging from behind them with a smirk that chills my blood. He steps forward confidently, his presence commanding and menacing. Nicky is with him, looking rough after my handiwork with the pool cue. Asshole must not have been completely knocked out.

"You've been a very bad girl, Tory," he says. His eyes lock on mine, a dark amusement in their depths.

Chapter 32

Maksim

As the city's lights streak by, casting fleeting shadows inside the car, I press the end call button on my phone, letting out a slow, deliberate breath. The conversation I've just wrapped up, laden with plans and contingencies, sits heavy in my thoughts.

Viktor catches my eye in the rearview mirror, his stoic demeanor tinged with curiosity. "Everything set?" he asks, his voice as steady as ever.

"Yes, it's all in motion," I reply, my tone even, masking the whirlwind of strategies and potential outcomes racing through my mind. I pause, reflecting on the call I just made, a conversation I never envisioned having. "You know, if you told me a year ago I'd be making that call, I would've laughed. Funny how things change."

Victor nods, understanding the depth of what's unsaid. The car hums quietly as we continue our drive, the anticipation building with each passing mile.

"We're heading into uncertain territory. You ready for what's waiting at Aleksey's?" Michael’s question breaks the silence, pulling me back from my reverie.

I meet his gaze in the mirror again, my resolve firm. "I'm ready. Aleksey's estate is where this ends, one way or another. We have to confront him, even if we have to do it on his own turf."

The car slows as we approach the gates of Aleksey's mansion, and I brace myself for what's to come. The element of surprise I'd hoped for vanishes the moment we're met by guards, clearly forewarned of our arrival.

"He's expecting you. Go to the front door. Alone," one of the guards instructs, an edge of arrogance in his voice.

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