Page 53 of Stone

It was a standoff.

With Knox and Nola trapped in the middle.

“Hawke,” the mob boss drawled.

“Zolotov.” Killian’s tone was ice cold.

“We’ll take the woman and go,” Zolotov said in his thick accent.

Nola gasped.

“Over my dead body,” Knox growled.

The man’s gaze flicked to Knox. His eyes were like dark ice chips. “That can be arranged.”

“Nola isn’t going anywhere,” Killian said.

Knox rose and pushed her behind him, glaring at Zolotov. Nola gripped his belt.

“Let me take her, and no one needs to get hurt,” the Russian said. “Otherwise —” more of his men stepped into the office “—things will get messy. I have more in my army than you do.”

Killian stared the man down. “But my army is better trained.” Killian shook his head. “Nola isn’t going anywhere. She’s the sister of one of my men. She’s family. There’s no way in hell he’ll let you touch a hair on her head.”

Knox frowned. Killian seemed to be stalling. What was he waiting for?

“That’s fucking right,” Nick growled.

“None of us will let you take her,” Bram added.

Hadley tilted her head. “But I’d like to see you try.”

Knox wrapped his arm around Nola, holding her tight. He kept his body angled to protect her.

Whatever his team had planned, he’d be ready.

“Then we will make a mess,” Zolotov said. “And all your people will die, Hawke.”

Killian smiled, although there was nothing amusing about it. “You really believe that?”

His tone was like a blade, and made several of Zolotov’s men shift uncomfortably.

The mob boss’ posture changed subtly. Something was starting to make him nervous, but he raised his gun. “I am not a man who likes to repeat himself. I will say it one last time. Give her to me.”

Killian cocked his head. “I have a better idea.”

Zolotov’s tough mouth flattened. “What?”

“I’ll let my wife kick your ass.”

It all happened in a heartbeat. The air vent above Zolotov opened, and a long, lean body rolled out. Knox saw a flash of red hair.

Devyn landed in a crouch behind Zolotov. She kicked his knees out from under him, and once he fell to the ground, she pressed a gun to the back of his head.

“I’m mad you broke our window,” Devyn drawled.

Zolotov’s men all appeared frozen. A couple swiveled their guns toward Devyn.

Bang. Bang.

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