Page 49 of Poisoned Roses

I act quickly and slide the lock across and my voice shakes as I whisper, “Who is it?”

“Vladimir.”

I recognize the dark surly tones of the driver who brought me here and I relax a little, but I’m still so confused. There is really only one man I trust right now and I gasp, “I’m okay.”

“Mr. Romanov is on his way.” Is his only response and I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat that is still raw from what just happened.

“I’ll be outside until he arrives, Miss Pavlov. You are safe.”

“Thank you.” I feel like a fool for not trusting him, but appreciate his understanding of the situation. I trust nobody, not anymore, and yet Titus is different. I just know that deep inside my heart.

Within fifteen minutes,a hammering on the door is accompanied by a gruff, “Tia, it’s me, open up.”

His strong deep voice brings fresh tears to my eyes and I slide the bolt aside and fall into his outstretched arms.

I barely recognize his words instructing Vladimir to search the room and as he pulls me out of my dressing room, he holds me tightly in his arms and whispers, “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

I sob on his shoulder like a baby, relief telling me this is the only place I want to be, and I wonder when Titus Romanov became so important in my life.

He allows me to cry, clutching me close to his chest while he strokes my hair and when my sobs subside, he pulls back and wipes my tears away with his fingers, staring with concern into my eyes and whispering, “What happened?”

I detect the grit in his voice, the hint of steel telling me he’s angry. His eyes flash with anger and yet his touch is soft, his concern overriding it and causing me to catch my breath and whisper, “The flowers. He’s still out there.”

He glances over his shoulder at the grave expression of Vladimir who is standing beside Simeon, acting as a wall against the curious attention of the other dancers.

A look passes between them and Titus says softly, “I will check for myself.”

“Don’t leave me, please.” I hate how needy I am and Titus closes his hand around mine and whispers, “I will never leave you, Tia, but I must protect you. Wait with Simeon because this is something I must do.”

As I watch him enter the room, my heart pounds inside me mercilessly. I know he has to go inside, but I can’t face it. The image of what lies inside that box will never leave me and all I can think about now is what the hell happened to Nadia?

CHAPTER 27

TITUS

The stench greets me as I enter the room, and I stare at the vomit coating the floor. My attention falls to the bouquet set before the mirror, the note propped up against it.

You’re mine, and this gift is to remind you of that.

My gaze lowers to the floor where the black box fell and I note the severed finger caked in dried blood, the engagement ring just below the knuckle.

I’ve seen enough and as I leave the room, I address Vladimir. “Clean this shit up and preserve the evidence. Stick around and question the staff, study the cameras, and make sure nobody leaves until you have taken their statements.”

Simeon speaks rapidly into his phone, organizing some back up for Vladimir and I’m reassured that this place will be locked down until they have everything they need.

“Tia.” I extend my hand and the relief I experience surprises me as her small hand clasps mine and I say gently, “Come. Let me take care of you.”

I remove my jacket and place it across her shivering shoulders and we ignore the curious gazes of the dancers who are standing in the doorways of their dressing room, wondering what is happening and peering at Tia with concern.

Simeon stops to speak with Rodion and I guide Tia to my car, where the driver is standing with a solemn expression.

As I help Tia into the car, my anger is immeasurable because anything could have happened to her, and I blame myself for that.

As I join her and the door slams behind me, it may as well be the gate to her prison closing behind her because what happened today will never be repeated. From now on, Tia will receive my full protection, and that is not open for negotiation.

I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her tightly against me, my breathing even but my blood boiling inside.

“Nadia?” she whispers and I say gently, “We will find her.”

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