Page 169 of Brutal Savage

She politely moves on.

Darnell whistles. “Damn. You’re one loyal son of a bitch, aren’t you?”

“Can we return to business?” I’m trying hard to remain calm, but I just wanna get the hell out of here.

I can’t even text Elara because there’s no damn service. Pretty sure Konstantin did that on purpose.

“Of course.” Darnell brings another drink to his mouth. “But look, I don’t like problems, and new people? They cause problems. Konstantin did vouch for you, and that means something to me, but I want to hear it from you. That this will go smoothly.”

“I promise to do my part. We don’t like problems either.”

His foot bounces as he stares at me for what feels like minutes. “Okay.” He flips a hand. “I’m good with working with you, as long as my price tag is acceptable.”

I reach out my palm for his. “Got yourself a deal.”

He shakes my hand, and that’s it.

It’s finally done.

“Now we celebrate!” Konstantin gestures with a hand toward one of his men, and the music turns louder.

“I’ve gotta go home.” I start to get to my feet, but he stops me.

“Come on, brother. Not yet. Stay and have a few drinks with us before you go crawling into your wife’s bed.”

“Fine. But just one drink. Then I’m going.”

“Horosho.”

Shit. I’m not getting out of here, am I?

CHAPTER 35

ELARA

It’s way past midnight, and he’s not home. Not only is he not home, but he hasn’t even answered my texts. And every time I call, it goes straight to voicemail.

Worry gnaws at me.

What if he was killed?

What if the plane crashed?

What if he was arrested?

What if, what if, what if?

Every bad scenario plays in my head over and over until I’m a basket case. I just need to know that he’s okay.

I keep pacing by the front door, just hoping he walks through it.

Maybe his battery died. I mean, I’m sure even mobsters lose phone battery, right?

Getting tired, I head for the den to watch some mindless television when the door finally opens.

I jump to my feet, dropping the remote and rushing for the door.

The foyer is pitch black, and I find his looming shadow there, my heart racing, unable to contain my emotions.

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