Page 31 of Vows in Violence

It’s followed just as swiftly by disappointment. I’m not like Evie or Carina, who would be pummeling him with closed fistsor slicing his throat for even considering it. I’m not like Lulu, who would be giving him the sharp edge of her tongue for his betrayal.

I’m weak. Raised to play a song on a piano, serve as eye candy for Father’s guests. Pretty is as pretty does.

Damon continues the conversation as though my entire world hasn’t splintered at the seams. “Azrael made the decision to take out Angel instead of allowing him—a Don— to remain in captivity. This does make Ivan a primary target, I agree. They undid any reason for keeping him alive with that move.” He takes a step, pivots, and paces back, gaze fixed on the floor. “The Commission hasn’t officially recognized me as Angel’s replacement. The assassination just happened this morning; these things take time.”

He ceases his pacing and levels a look at Nikolai.

“That’s not my chief concern, though. My biggest problem is that I’m having a hard time trusting a man who is so willing to betray his Don.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done to restore balance—”

“Prove it. Hand over Vivi and go on your way. You leave with nothing.”

Before Damon finishes speaking, I feel the cold steel of Nikolai’s gun against my head before I realize what is happening. If I didn’t know him, I would think Damon is completely non-reactive. As it is, the only outward betrayal of his feelings is a slight twitch of his eyelid. His was always a cool, calculated kind of fury. It’s what enabled him to infiltrate the Valachi family in the first place. “You are one man, Nikolai. You know you won’t leave here alive.”

Nikolai grasps my upper arm hard, his grip likely to leave a mark. “It doesn’t matter; she will be dead.”

The tension is mounting, and there is a palpable, physical sensation in the small room that is building and swelling. I can feel it. It is like when a firework has been lit, and you are waiting for the explosion. I just got Damon, Lulu, and Eduardo back in my life. I can’t risk them now.

“Stop! I’ll go.”

Damon doesn’t look at me. “The hell you will.”

“I will. This is my decision. Thank you for your efforts, but we need to be going. I am going willingly.”

“Vivi, your sister wants you home. You belong at home with your family.”

“My home was burned down this morning. Thank you, Damon, but this is what I need to do.”

I keep my eye on my brother-in-law as Nikolai eases me backward toward the door. Damon’s jaw tightens as he watches us leave.

The person across the street, a man this time, watches us get into the car. Nikolai grabs me by the hair and pulls my face close to his. The odor of tobacco on his breath turns my stomach, and I hold my breath, afraid I’ll vomit all over him if I breathe too deeply.

“That was well done. If you end up being useless to me, you are dead.”

I don’t cry out. I don’t respond. I look at him blankly until he lets me go and starts the car, and then I turn my attention to the window.

Dozens of people move about their business on the streets. I watch them all. Somewhere in this vast city is Ivan, and I know, without a doubt, that he is looking for me.

He will find me.

And when he does, Nikolai will suffer.

Chapter 12

Ivan

It is spring, butthe air carries a chill, a bitter reminder of winter. Snow-like flakes drift lazily from the sky, gathering in soft piles on the street, but they're not snow. They’re ash.

The acrid scent of burning fills the air, mingling with the distant wail of alarms and the shrill scream of fire trucks racing through the city. Safehouse number four is in flames, the bright orange tongues licking at the sky.

I sit in the passenger seat of the Corolla, my gaze fixed on the inferno in the rearview mirror I twisted in my direction. My fingers drum on the dashboard, the rhythm matching the rapid beat of my heart. Angel sits beside me, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"Ivan." Angel's voice breaks the heavy silence. "Your portfolio is not going to look good after today."

I force a bitter smile, my eyes never leaving the rearview mirror. "I’m past caring about that."

Angel turns to face me, his curiosity piqued. "Out of curiosity, why are you burning every empty safehouse?"

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