Page 92 of Stolen By The Bratva King

“Food’s arrived, but I can’t get it anyway,” I say, trying to sound casual. “I’m about to get in the shower. Will you just put the bag inside my door and I’ll grab it when I’m done?”

“Sure.” Felix stands and stretches, his shirt lifting to reveal the gun at his hip. “Sit tight.”

I nod. “Will do. I ordered you some gyoza for being patient with me.”

“Thanks. Back in a minute.”

I watch Felix walk to the end of the corridor, praying the crossword was the omen it seemed, and he’s missed my clues, too. All he has to do is glance back, and I’ll be busted.

Felix pauses at the end, and I hold my breath. If he turns left, that means he’s taking the stairs, but if he goes right, it’s the elevator.

Whichever he chooses, I’ll be taking the other, but I know which gives me the best chance. I have it all worked out.

Take the elevator take the elevator take the?—

Felix strides to the right and into the elevator lobby.

I close my door as quietly as I can, then run like the wind for the fire door, praying my so-called guard doesn’t turn around.

My heart gallops, and I wait for Felix’s voice to bellow after me, but there’s nothing.

I dart out on the floor below and slap the elevator call button before heading back to the stairwell.

One pointless stop will be enough for me to get ahead and out the rear door that leads to the parking lot. Even the delivery guy won’t see me.

Felix will collect the ramen, leave it inside my apartment, then sit diligently outside, oblivious to the fact the cage is empty.

Cool plan, Emery. Ingenious.When Leon finished being furious, he’ll be proud of you, but there’s only one chance to get it right.

I race down the flights, my fingertips skimming the rail so I don’t lose my footing.

In seconds, the first floor lobby door looms before me, and it’s the moment of truth. Is Felix waiting for me?

I pause to catch a breath before strolling through. The open space reveals no bratva bodyguards, only a tired-looking concierge who’s trying not to fall asleep at the desk.

I can’t dawdle. Any second now, the elevator will chime its arrival, and he will catch me.

The doors to the parking lot are behind me. I fling them open just as I hear the telltale sound of the elevator.

My pulse spikes—what if he doubled back? But through the small window, I watch Felix stroll toward the main entrance, arms swinging at his sides.

He saw nothing.I did it.

I cross the lot to the street entrance, join the avenue, and hail a cab.

Something about Jess’s call keeps tugging at the back of my mind, like a thread I’m afraid to pull, but there’s no time for second-guessing.

The easy part is over, and I don’t know what will be worse: the scene unfolding at the hospital, or my husband’s wrath.

I don’t care. Someone has to try to take back the harm he’s done.

Leon has a job to do?Well, so do I.

48

Emery

Iexpect to arrive at the hospital and be met by ambulances, cops, and chaos, but nothing appears to be out of the ordinary.

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