Page 16 of Sinful Wrath

My brother is silent for a moment, and I know his thoughts drift to Igor Ivanov as mine do.

He’s the reason I’m having to do this. He’s the reason that the Koslovs and the Contis are having to join forces. It’s the only way we’ll be able to take down the infamous bratva Pahkan. Though my stomach twists at the thought of my plan.

If I succeed, will Massimo still stick to his end of the bargain?

“This is all going to work out, Alexei.” I’m not sure if I’m telling this for his benefit or mine.

“I know. If you go through with this, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts.”

“You have nothing to worry about. I have no intention of backing out of this marriage.” But with some luck, Lucia will.

“Good. Because we’re counting on you, Mikhail.”

As if I need reminding.

5

LUCIA

I’m so cold.

My body shivers uncontrollably, and I hug my knees to my chest in an attempt to keep my body heat, but it does little to stop my teeth from chattering.

“Help!”

I’ve been screaming for what feels like hours, but it’s no use.

No one is coming.

I swallow, but my throat is so dry that I wince.

How long has it been since I’ve had any water? Hours? Days?

If someone doesn’t bring me water soon, I’m going to die of dehydration. That is unless they decide to murder me first…

Footsteps sound outside the door, and I flinch, backing myself up against the wall asheappears. I try to muffle the sounds of my whimpering ashecrosses the room to crouch in front of me.

Hereaches out his fingers, trailing them down my neck ashegazes at my mouth with those dark, piercing eyes.

“What’s with all the noise, beautiful?”

My eyes fly open,and I’m gasping for breath.

My body is covered in sweat, and my heart is hammering in my chest.

It’s been months since I’ve had a nightmare. I had hoped they were gone for good, but it seems I’ll never escape them. I’m destined to relive those moments time and again…

I bolt from my bed and dart into my bathroom to turn on the shower. I’ve found the only way to rid myself of the memories is to physically wash them away.

Stepping under the hot water, I reach for the soap and begin to lather my skin with the sweet smelling bubbles.

I sigh as one by one my muscles loosen, and I start to relax as the remnants of the nightmare slowly fade away.

Once I’m finished, I climb back into my bed and curl up on my side, trying my best to fall back asleep, but my mind has other ideas.

I glance at my alarm clock, and I groan when it flashes three A.M.

This is ridiculous.

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