Page 72 of Twisted Vows

Ari

The spring rain lashes against the windows, a relentless drumbeat that matches the rhythm of my heart. I sit in the corner of our suite, the flickering firelight casting long shadows on the walls.

Maxsim’s words from earlier replay in my mind on a loop, the seriousness of his tone cutting deeper every time:“If you’re wrong, you’ll have blood on your hands.”

A faint sound draws my attention—a door opening, followed by muffled footsteps in the hallway. My body tenses, every instinct on high alert. Rising quietly, I pad to the suite door and crack it open just enough to see a shadow moving in the dimly lit corridor.

It’s Nikolai.

He’s moving fast, his shoulders stiff, a small leather case clutched tightly in one hand.

My stomach twists.

I’ve felt it for weeks—something off about him. The way he hesitates when answering Maxsim. The strange questions he’s asked me about my family And during the ambush… the way he faltered, just for a second.

Before I can second-guess myself, I step into the hallway, keeping my steps light. The cold floor chills my bare feet as I trail him through the darkened corridors. My years of sneakingaround serve me as I pad silently, dipping into shadows when necessary.

Nikolai doesn’t sense my presence, but his movements are quick, deliberate, like a man with a destination he doesn’t want anyone to know about.

When he reaches the back entrance, he pauses, glancing over his shoulder. I press myself against the wall, heart pounding as his gaze sweeps the hallway.

A second later, he pushes open the kitchen door and steps into the storm.

I hesitate.Go find Maxsim,a small voice whispers in my head.Tell him what you’ve seen.

But I can’t. Not until I have something concrete.

Gripping the edge of the door, I follow Nikolai into the rain.

The rain pelts me, soaking through my robe and plastering my hair to my face. The wind cuts like a blade, and I keep to the shadows, trailing Nikolai as he heads toward the edge of the property.

A small guesthouse I’ve never noticed is shrouded in darkness. Nikolai moves with purpose, his steps quick and deliberate. When he reaches the door, he hesitates, glancing around again. I duck behind a tree, holding my breath.

The door creaks open, spilling light into the rain before closing with a quiet click.

I move closer, the storm masking the sound of my footsteps. Pressing myself against the side of the guesthouse, I peer through the window.

Inside, Nikolai paces, his hair damp and his expression tight with tension. A second man stands across from him, his back to me. He’s tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in dark clothes. The tension between them is palpable.

I strain to hear their conversation and thank my ancestors when the storm lets up just in time.

“This is everything Sal needs,” Nikolai says, his voice sharp and urgent. “Every route, every shipment. It’s all there.”

The other man chuckles, low and cruel. “Sal’s impressed with your work. But he’s got one question.”

Nikolai stiffens. “What?”

“Why keep the girl alive?”

My blood runs cold.

“She’s leverage,” Nikolai snaps. “Maxsim will bleed for her, and when the time comes, she’ll be the key to breaking him.”

The other man grunts. “If you’re wrong about this—”

“I’m not,” Nikolai interrupts. “Maxsim won’t see it coming. By the time he realizes what’s happening, it’ll be too late.”

The weight of his words crashes over me, heavy and suffocating.

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