Page 38 of Captured By the Russian Wolf

Her breath hitched, her body trembling against mine. I could feel her heartbeat, fast and frantic, as her chest pressed to mine. And for a moment, I thought I might lose control completely. But then, just as quickly, I pulled away, forcing myself to step back, to break the connection between us.

I couldn't let this happen again. Not like this. Not while I was still drowning in anger and confusion.

Lily stood there, breathing heavily, her eyes wide with shock and some heavy emotion. I knew it mirrored what I was feeling.

But before either of us could say another word, a sudden crash echoed through the mansion, shattering the tension between us.

I froze, my body going rigid as I listened. Another crash followed, then the unmistakable sound of gunfire. My blood ran cold.

We were under attack.

"Stay here," I ordered, my voice sharp and commanding as I turned toward the door. But before I could take another step, Lily grabbed my arm.

"Nikita, wait—" she started, but I shook her off.

"I said stay here," I growled, my eyes narrowing. "I'll deal with this."

Without waiting for her response, I stormed out of the room, my mind racing as I tried to process what the hell was happening. Who the fuck would be bold enough to attack me here, in my own estate?

Petrov?

We'd interrupted some of his deals, killing his men along the way, but he deserved it for thinking he could make threats, for thinking he could touch Lily.

Was he finally making a move?

I moved quickly through the hallway, my senses on high alert. The sound of gunfire grew louder, more chaotic, and I knew we didn't have much time. Whoever was behind this had planned it carefully, timed it perfectly.

I braced myself as I rounded the corner, ready for whatever was coming. But what I wasn't ready for was the chaos that greeted me. Armed men flooded the room, their guns raised, their eyes filled with deadly intent.

A fucking ambush.

My men were fending them off, fighting fiercely for me, but it wouldn't be enough. I'd have to call for backup. More importantly—and this is what made my gut clench—I'd have to fight my way out.

With Lily.

The roar of gunfire, crashing through the chaos like a war drum, chased me as I ran back to the bedroom. Panic seized me.

I shouldn't have left her alone, not even for a second.

Every shot fired sent another wave of fury surging through me, but I didn't let it distract me. My focus was razor-sharp. I only wanted to get to her and keep her safe.

I burst into the room, and relief washed through me as I caught sight of her pacing, her arms wrapped around her body.

"What—" she started, but I silenced her with a sharp wave.

I strode to the closet and located my weapons stash. I pulled out two guns, stuffed some ammo into my pockets, then crossed the room to her and shoved a gun into her shaking hands.

"Defense," I explained. "You might need it. If you do, don't hesitate. Otherwise, just stay behind me. Don't leave my side. Got it?"

Lily stared at me with wide eyes, looking between me and the gun.

"Lily!" I barked, and she nodded several times, coming back to life. "Good. Now let's go."

I didn't know what we were about to face, but there was no backing down now. Lily was in danger. I had put her in danger. I hated that so much that I knew I wouldn't rest until she was safe again, the fear wiped cleanly from her face.

Listening hard, I crept back into the hallway, gun raised, my muscles taut. I shot a glance behind me, and Lily was there, as near to me as she could be. Her breaths were ragged, and she gripped the gun like it was her lifeline. The woman who'd come into my life with the intent to destroy it was now going to fight for her life by my side. The fucked up irony of it all didn't escape me, but I couldn't dwell on it.

"Stay low," I growled, pulling her closer as we pressed ourselves against the wall. "Don't fucking move unless I do."

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