Page 17 of Dark Obsession

I plaster on a casual smile. “Hey, big brother. What’s up?”

His sharp eyes scan me from head to toe, and I can see the wheels turning in his head. He knows me too well.

"Where do you think you’re going, Elena?"

Shit. He’s onto me.

I put on my best innocent face.“I was just going to check on Natalia. She’s pretty shaken up after last night.”

Luk crosses his arms, unimpressed. “You can check on her over the phone.”

I roll my eyes, keeping the act going. “It’s not the same, Luk. She saved my life, remember? If she hadn’t tossed that drink in theassassin’s face, giving me the chance to get away, I may not be standing here right now. The least I can do is check in on her in person, not to mention thank her again.”

He sighs, running a hand through his thick hair, clearly torn between his protective instincts and letting me go. He knows Natalia’s like a sister to me, but he’s also not blind to the fact that I’ve got more on my mind than a friendly visit.

Finally, after a long pause, he gives in. “Fine. But you’re taking bodyguards with you.”

I force a smile, trying not to let my relief show. “I wouldn’t dream of going without them.”

He narrows his eyes, still suspicious but letting it slide. “You’d better not.”

I give him a quick hug before he can change his mind. “Don’t worry, Luk. I’ll be careful.”

Now, I just have to figure out how to shake the guards once I’m out.

My brother gives me a pointed look. “You’d better be safe. I’ve got a feeling things are only going to get more dangerous for all of us. So don’t give me any gray hairs, Elena.”

I flash him a grin. “I wouldn’t dream of it. And besides, a little salt and pepper would make you look even more distinguished.”

He chuckles despite himself, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.” Then, he pulls out his phone and texts the guards. “I’m letting them know you need a ride.”

“Thanks, Luk,” I say, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. He rolls his eyes but lets me go. We part ways, and I make my waydown the long halls of the mansion, already plotting my next move.

As soon as I step outside, the cold Chicago air hits me. Another chilly, rainy day in the city, a perfect match for the mood I’m in. The guards are already waiting for me—two massive men in black coats with black umbrellas, their expressions as blank and hard as stone. They don’t say a word, just flank me and lead me to the car as the rain trickles down their umbrellas, forming mini waterfalls.

Once I’m settled into the backseat, I glance out at the gray skyline as the car pulls away. My mind races as I think of Grigori, of what he’s caught up in. I’ve made up my mind; I’m not going to sit back and let him face this alone. He might think he’s protecting me, but I know I’m just as involved as he is.

First, I need to give these guards the slip. I grin to myself, already formulating a plan.

Chapter 8

Elena

The rain picks up, drumming lightly against the car windows as I sit in the back seat, plotting.

Both bodyguards are focused on the road, not paying much attention to me. They’re good at their jobs, but I’m better at getting what I want.

And right now, I want to find Claudio Sanchez.

I’ve already got a lead. Sanchez was arrested at a bar in Logan Square, one of those neighborhoods that’s halfway between gritty and gentrified. That tells me a lot. If he was picked up there, he’s probably a regular. You don’t just wander into a place like that unless you’re familiar with the scene. I can go there and ask around, possibly turn up some useful information.

The guard in the passenger seat turns to me. “Where to, Miss Ivanova?”

I plaster on my most innocent smile. “Logan Square. I want to do some shopping.” Not exactly a lie. I might actually pick something up, just not in the way they’re thinking and not from any boutique they’re familiar with.

The guards exchange a glance, but they don’t question me.

As we drive through the city the rain picks up, and I let my mind drift back to Grigori. I know he’s out there, digging for information and hunting down leads. I want to help him. No—I’mgoingto help him. Whether he likes it or not, we’re in this together.

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