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PROLOGUE

MIKHAIL

Six Years Ago…

Song- How Villains Are Made, Madalen Duke

“What doyou mean that motherfucker has her locked up?” I cover my mother’s shaking palm with mine and watch her expression.

She has always carried an air of calm composure, but as she’s aged, she can’t hide the subtle tightening around her eyes that is a giveaway to the turmoil inside of her.

“The last I’ve heard, your father has her in the west wing under guard. They were married two months ago.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. “I’m not sure I have as much sway there as I used to.”

“I’ve heard she’s barely eighteen.” The words twist in my mouth.

My fucking father.

Ivan has a type, apparently. He likes them young, naive, and weak.

I’m glad my mother figured out how to escape from him. But only after he forced three children out of her.

She nods slowly, stealing a glance over her shoulder to her new husband, Sergy.

It makes me happy to see the gentle smile she gives him.

“My sources say they can get her out tonight. They’ll bring her here before we can route her to a safe house.” He slips his arms around my mother’s waist and pulls her tightly to him. “Are you sure you want to do this?” His dark curly hair drapes over his eyes after she nods.

“No one deserves a life with him. He’s a monster.” Her hands clasp until her knuckles turn white. “I want to.” Her chin raises with her firm statement.

“What can I do?” I’m just finding out about her plans, but I’ll do anything to get back at Ivan for what he’s done to us.

Cruelty has guided every decision he’s made.

We all have the scars to prove it, even if they can’t all be seen. I’ve watched Lara wither from a single look from him, proving that there’s damage there I’ll never fully understand.

“The best thing you can do is to get everyone away from him. Honey, what was your plan?” She flicks her gaze between me and her husband.

“I have an idea.” He leans over the counter and flips a brochure at me. “See that guy? That’s my oldest, Jax. He’s an up and coming boxer and just had his first fight in Las Vegas, United States.”

The glossy photo shows a younger version of the man in front of me. Same curly dark hair.

It must run strong in his family since Katerina has the same.

Nikolai has mentioned more than once how much he loves it, and is thrilled that their daughter has it too.

“Okay, what about him?” I admit, he looks like a tough kid, but not sure how this helps.

“He told me the one thing he noticed most about Vegas is how easy it is to get lost there. Blend in.” He taps his temple. “Disappear.”

“Noted. When is she supposed to be here?” I know that stealing away my father’s bride will be a declaration of war. I need to make sure the rest of my family is safe.

“Soon. Less than an hour.” Sergy presses his lips to my mother’s cheek before leaving through the hall.

She leans forward and grasps my hand. “Go, get Niki and the rest out of here. You’re the only one who can save them.”

“What about you?” I know she’s fallen victim to my father’s wrath too often in the past.

She waves her thin fingers idly. “He doesn’t scare me anymore.”

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