Page 68 of Dark Obsession

“Good to see you, princess.”

He unties me and I throw myself into his arms, holding him tightly. He grunts in surprise, then lets out a low groan of pain.

I pull back, horrified. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

He just laughs, brushing it off. “There’s no pain I wouldn’t endure for you.”

I roll my eyes, though there’s a warmth blooming in my chest. “You know, you’d sound a lot cornier if you didn’t look like you got hit by a bus.”

He gives me a weak smile, wincing a little as he shifts his jaw. “I’d kiss you, but…” He glances down at himself, all bruises, and cuts, yet, somehow, he’s still standing strong.

“Grigori,” I say softly, my heart pounding, “I love you.”

His eyes soften and he takes my hand. “I love you, too, Elena.”

The moment stretches between us, and I feel like my heart might burst. For once, it feels simple—just me, him, and a feeling too big to keep inside.

Just then, harsh reality crashes back. Gunfire cracks in the distance, echoing down the hall, and we both tense. My brothers are here, and with any luck, this nightmare is about to end, but only if we survive the violence needed to end it.

“We’ve gotta go,” Grigori says, his voice full of urgency. “Stay close to me.”

He takes the lead, his hand gripping mine as he scans the halls, his senses on high alert. His body may be beaten, but his spirit is unbroken. Each step is careful, every corner a potential danger.

We’re almost at the end of the corridor when another round of gunfire booms from somewhere ahead. We exchange a glance, steeling ourselves for whatever’s coming.

“How many do you think?” I ask, voice just above a whisper.

He doesn’t hesitate, his eyes scanning the path ahead. “Dozens. Molina’s men, Ivanov soldiers—they’re all here.”

A shiver runs through me. “So this is it then?”

He nods, eyes meeting mine. “Whatever happens here today will determine everything. There’s no turning back.”

I swallow, letting that sink in. The future of the city, our family, our lives, all hang in the balance. But with Grigori at my side, I feel steady, confident, and strong, even as gunfire explodes around us.

“Ready, princess?”

“More than ready. Let’s go show them who they’re dealing with.”

A few cartel guys sprint past a hallway up ahead. Grigori pulls me to the side, his grip firm on my arm. He leans in, voice low and calm.

“I’ve got an idea. Drop to the ground, scream, and hold your ankle like you’re hurt.”

I blink at him, dumbfounded. “What?”

“Just do it. Play the helpless female.” He’s dead serious, and there’s no time for questions.

I let out a bloodcurdling scream and drop down, clutching my ankle like I’m in agony. I wince, but his plan makes sense; he’s setting a trap.

Grigori ducks behind a nearby crate, his eyes sharp and ready.

Sure enough, the three cartel guys double back, running right for me. They stop a few feet away, weapons at the ready, looking me up and down.

One sneers at me. “You.”

I give them my best bratty smirk. “Yeah, me. Disappointed?”

One of them glances down the hallway then back at me, eyes narrowed. “Where is the man?”

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