Page 97 of Savage Reign

Vadim lets out a quiet chuckle. “You’re either brilliant or suicidal. Hard to tell sometimes.”

I stand, crossing to perch on the edge of my desk. “What’s the latest on Tural?”

“Eva’s en route with him and a van full of his men. Last I heard, they’re hogtied in the back like a delivery of Christmas hams.”

I smirk, picturing it. “I’d like to know how she managed that.” Then again, Eva is capable of some very creative solutions when it comes to getting what she wants. “And when do we expect this... delivery?”

“Later today. She’ll tie them up at the warehouse so you can question Tural tomorrow.”

It’s not often that I’d prioritize a party over getting the answers I want, but tonight is the birthday party for one of my top lieutenants.

Most importantly, Sofiya will stand at my side tonight while my men pledge their allegiance to her. They need to understand that protecting her is no different from protecting me, and I expect them to lay down their lives for her.

I’ve kept her presence in my life quiet until now, knowing men like Tural would see her as a target. But what Sofiya and I have is real, and it’s time she stands at my side where she belongs.

I pick up the paperweight again, turning it over in my hands. “Good. I want Tural to look me in the eye and explain why targeting me and my wife was a smart fucking idea.”

Vadim hums in agreement. “Do we have hard proof that Tural’s behind the attack?”

I place the paperweight back on the desk, standing and adjusting the cuffs of my shirt. “By the night’s end, we’ll have everything we need. The pieces are finally falling into place.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SEVEN

SOFIYA

My callwith Liza plays in my head for the rest of the day. I hope I haven’t made a mistake by involving her, but it felt like my only choice.

Even if she thinks I’ve lost my mind, I know she has my best interests at heart and will do whatever it takes to keep me safe. Roman, on the other hand, won’t be nearly as calm about any of this. That’s why I had to talk to Liza first. If anyone can get through to him, it’s her.

I don’t know how she’ll pull it off, but if she can manage to arrange a meeting where no one ends up dead, they’ll see things aren’t the same anymore. Niko is not who they think, at least not entirely.

Evening rolls around, and it’s time to get ready for our mysterious date tonight. Niko didn’t give me many details, but he did tell me to wear something special, and that’s what I’m going to do.

Niko had all my clothes moved into his bedroom, but I haven’t explored the walk-in yet since I’ve mostly worn yoga pants or summer dresses.

An idea pops into my head, and I can’t help but grin. I rummage through the racks until I find what I’m looking for. It was the last piece I tried on, one of the many things I bought purely for the joy of spending Niko’s money, but I never thought I’d have the opportunity to wear it.

I strip down to my underwear and slip the emerald dress over my head. The fabric is sheer and gauzy, clinging in all the right places, the deep V neckline showing just enough to tease, as does the dramatic slit up the side.

I stand in front of the mirror, biting my lip. Jesus, it’s sexier than I remember. Niko never did see me try it on at the boutique, so this will be his first look. And it’s one I hope he appreciates.

I step into the gold strappy heels Valeria suggested I pair with the dress, adding inches to my height and making my legs look longer than they are. I keep my makeup simple—a black lash and a bold red lip—a look my sister helped me perfect. That was always our thing, her doing my makeup while we gossiped. Hope flickers at the thought that we might do that together soon.

I leave my hair loose over my shoulders, the dark strands brushing against my back.

When I check my reflection in the mirror, I have to admit—I look good. The ankle monitor even adds a little edge to the whole look. But something pulls at my gut.

Niko is possessive, and this dress is bound to push his buttons, which is fine if we are alone, but just in case we're not, I reach for a shawl, wrapping it loosely around my shoulders. It softens the look and hides just enough cleavage to keep me from feeling completely exposed.

With one last glance in the mirror, I head downstairs.

“So, where exactly are we going?” My voice sounds high to my own ears as I glance at Emil’s profile from the backseat. He’s focused on the road, his expression tight.

“It’s a surprise, remember,” he says, shifting gears.

I let out a soft sigh, turning to the window. St. Petersburg sprawls before me, glittering under the streetlights.

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