Page 28 of Sinful Wrath

The adrenaline from the attack has worn off, leaving me a shaking mess.

I bury my face in my hands as I try to take a deep breath, but all I can picture is the two lifeless forms on the cold ground after Mikhail was finished with them.

They had mypicture.

I can’t just stay here and do nothing. That feels like even more of a death sentence.

I grab my phone out of my coat pocket and dial my father. There’s no way he’ll agree to let Mikhail Koslov keep his little princess hostage.

“Lucia?”

“Papa.” I lean back against the front door. “Did Alexei already call you?”

“Yes. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, just…a little shaken,” I admit. “But really, I’m fine.”

“It’s lucky you were with Mikhail.”

I bite my tongue, not wanting to admit that I fought the men off first. Mikhail just happened to finish the job.

“Papa, seriously, it was nothing. These guys were amateurs?—”

“It sure as hell was not nothing!” my father barks, and I flinch at his tone.

“Can we talk about this at home?” I pinch the bridge of my nose with my thumb and forefinger. “It’s been a really long day.”

“Not right now because I need to look into this.”

“Well, can you at least send a car to come and pick me up? Mikhail’s insisting I stay with him, so there’s no way he’s going to give me a ride back to the penthouse.”

“You’re not going anywhere.”

“Excuse me?”

“I agree with Mikhail.”

“What?”

“You’re to stay with him until this blows over. I’ve already got people looking into this, so hopefully, we can find whoever is behind this soon.”

“I’m not a hostage!”

“No,but you do have a target on your back, Lucia. And I’m not going to risk your safety.”

I roll my eyes, though I will admit it’s nice to hear my father so worried about me. Most of the time I come second to his work, so it’s nice to feel like a priority for once.

It’s just a shame it takes me almost getting taken or murdered to get him to finally put me first.

“Fine. I’ll stay with Mikhail. But can you at least have some of my stuff sent over? If I’m destined to be a hostage, I’d at least like to be a well-dressed one.”

By the time I hang up the phone, Mikhail reappears, looking just as pissed.

I scoff. “Seems you’ve already managed to get my father to take your side over mine.”

“Good.” He folds his arms over his chest. “It’s the right decision.”

“Whatever. Can you show me to a guest room? I need to wash off this day.”

---