Page 103 of Caged

But, if her brother was being threatened by my father, it would make sense why she would go to the lengths that she did.

“Um, Niki?” He fidgets with the vent to reset it. “Don’t you think we’ve been here long enough?”

“In Russia? Yes. But now I’m not sure we’re done.” I can’t let her face Ivan without the diamonds.

He’ll kill her.

Alexei pushes his seat flat and throws his arm over his eyes. “No, Nikolai. The road. We’re sitting here in the street like, um, mannequins.” He rubs his temples. “Wrong English. Dummies. That’s the word.”

I blink, looking out the windshield.

Shit. At least it’s not a busy street.

Cranking the wheel all the way over, I hit the gas to spin us in a tight circle.

Alexei grunts when he bounces his head off of the window. “Niki, we need to talk about your driving. I didn’t know I’d need my motorcycle helmet to ride.”

He makes a big show of putting on his seatbelt.

“What are you doing? You never wear those.”

“If you’re going to kill us, I just want to make sure my body is recognizable.” He grins, holding his hand flat beneath his chin. “This face deserves an open casket.”

Digging out my phone, I scroll through the contacts and dial Enzo.

“Nikolai? Thought you’d be on the plane by now.” He didn’t even let it ring.

“I need you to find her again.” I don’t know what she’s doing, but I have a feeling she’s going to make a big mistake.

If my father forced her, this changes everything.

I need to help her.

And then I need to bring her home.

FORTY-FIVE

MILA

My skin feels like ants are crawling over it, even though my heart is at peace with my decision.

I just hate fucking waiting.

Tatiana is taking forever to arrive.

I told her, today was the day. I have to make the move on Ivan and rescue my brother.

Or, die trying.

“Do you think she changed her mind?” Tyler shifts on his feet and flicks another cigarette onto the ground before stomping it out.

“Who knows. If she wants the drive, she needs to.” My eyes narrow. “Remember not to say a damn word about the diamonds.”

He’s been whining all morning about my choice to send them back with Nikolai.

I get it. It’s his life on the line, too.

But, we have escape options. There are places in this world that even Tatiana can’t reach.

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