Page 33 of Wicked Embers

“I always suspected Tetushka Galina knew more than she ever admitted about why our fathers were killed,” Gavriil remarks, his tone laced with lingering suspicion. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if she knew something about that document and if it is real how Dalton ended up with it.”

“You get on to finding the attorneys.” I move the bookshelves back into position. “I will call my mother later today. Let’s hope now that we’re under attack by the Greek bitch she’ll be ready to open up about ten years ago.”

“Does Leigh know about any of this?” He tilts his head thoughtfully.

“Not according to Dalton.”

“But you’re going to make sure?” Gavriil guesses

“I will find out,” I reply.

“I know you’re not going to want to hear this.” Gavriil’s voice drops. “We do have leverage now.”

My gut tightens at his words. I know he’s right, and if it comes down to it, I will do what is necessary. “That’s alastresort.”

Gavriil’s brows shoot up, and he looks at me in surprise. “Fuck, cousin!” A smug smile splits his face. “One night, and Leigh’s already gotten under your skin.” He pulls a face. “I warned you about free-spirited people.” He chuckles.

“Shut the fuck up, Gav,” my voice lowers dangerously as I glare at him. “I promised Dalton I’d protect her, and I keep my word—that’s all!”

“Whatever you say, cuz.” Gavriil lifts his hand, but the smile on his face says it all.

Ignoring his jibes, I return the conversation to the Greek bitch we’ve been after for ten years. “Be extra cautious when looking into the Vasilikis family. We don’t know for sure yet if Alexandra Vasilikis is the Greek matriarch. They are a very powerful family, and we don’t want to piss off someone who has entire militaries at their disposal and is practically royalty.”

“No, I don’t particularly want to go up against the military,” Gavriil replies. “You know I’ll use the utmost discretion. I know we can’t afford to make a wrong move.”

“I know. I can always count on you for that.” My mind flicks to images of Leigh, and my body instantly responds. I sit down behind the desk to regain control. Fuck. Gav’s right. She has gotten under my skin. I’m going to have to put space between us as I can’t afford the distraction right now.

“You’d better doubly secure the fortress, though.” Gavriil glances around the house. “Leigh has been trained by her father, so I’m sure she’s already casing the place and looking for ways to escape.”

“She won’t escape,” I cut him off. “I’ve already got Dolph and Fredrik making sure of it.”

But even as I say the words, a gnawing unease settles in my gut. I can’t shake the feeling that we’re teetering on the edge of a black hole, unable to see the bottom or what’s inside—and completely unprepared for what might come out.

Chapter 13

LEIGH

The door to my private sitting room clicks shut behind me. I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the overwhelming sense of being trapped in a gilded cage. Sure, it’s a cage with a private balcony, and luxurious furnishings, and probably costs more than I’d make in three lifetimes, but it’s still a cage.

I notice the adjoining bathroom Radomir mentioned and step inside, locking the door behind me. My heart races as I pull my phone from its hiding spot where Tracy told me she hid it. Relief floods through me when I see that Sabrina has finally answered. Her message flashes on the screen:

Call me ASAP.

I hit the call button, and she picks up almost instantly.

“Leigh? Are you okay? Where the hell are you?” Sabrina’s voice is a frantic whisper.

“I’m alive, for now,” I joke, though even I can hear the hollowness in my voice. “Rina, I’m not in the city anymore. Radomir brought me to his... estate.”

‘Estate?’ she repeats incredulously.

“Yeah, it’s like a Bond villain’s lair—only with more landscaping.”

“Jesus. What’s the plan?”

I hesitate, gripping the phone tighter. “I don’t know yet. I need your help with one. In the meantime, I’m trying to figure out the layout. See if there’s any way out.”

“Good. Message me often, so I know you’re okay,” Sabrina says, her voice soft with concern. “Leigh… are you okay? I mean, really okay?”

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