Page 105 of Sinful Promise

“Sure. It’s going to be a long night.”

“You’re right.” I put the gun and box of bullets on the counter and helped myself to a cup, pouring the coffee slowly.

I pull up a chair, and we hang out at the kitchen counter. The pendant lights are hand-blown glass and remind me of the chandelier on the yacht. It was only a day ago, but it feels like a lifetime since we were on the water, enjoying the best life had to offer.

“It’s too quiet,” I say.

“It’s the noise that will get to you. Let’s hope it remains quiet, for your sake.”

“Do you think my brother is helping us?”

“There are few you can depend on in life. When you find those few, treat them with respect and hold them tightly because those are the greatest treasures in your life.”

“Like you and Irina and Sal?”

“Yes. I understand your concern for your brothers, but they made their decisions. We all make bad choices at times. The bloodshed tonight isn’t on you. It would have happened in time. The fact that you and Roman found one another–you might have saved his family from being eliminated.”

“It’s weird. What are the odds we’d even meet?”

“Slim.” She takes a sip of coffee and wraps her hands around the cup.

“What time is it?”

“Too early for any news.”

“Are you connected to them with the coms in your ear?”

“Yes, but if they go out of range or there’s interference, I won’t hear them.”

“That’s amazing. Can you hear them now?”

She nods. “They are close to the warehouse.”

“I wish it were on speaker.”

“No, you don’t.” Her eyes stare ahead into the open space. I wonder if she has night terrors. I can’t imagine what her life’s been like, and then I realize bad things might happen tonight, and she’ll be listening to it as she sits here, helpless to do anything about it.

36

ROMAN

“Francesca, make sure she has her gun with her.”

“She does.” I can tell by the echoing sound that Francesca has gone into the bathroom to speak to me privately. “We’re going in. Their vehicle is coming. Our scout saw them heading this way. Are you sure this is going to work?”

“It has to.”

My phone pings. I copy the text and send it to my brothers. I’m sure I have the correct coordinates for Andrian’s men. If I’m wrong, we’re all screwed.

My guard drives me to the meet with Irina beside me. She’s the spitting image of Dasha, but I notice subtle differences. Andrian won’t know. By the time he suspects anything, it will be too late.

I speak in the coms and check on my brothers. We all rode in different cars for safety. I look behind my vehicle and see them getting out of their SUVs.

I check in with Francesca one last time before the meeting.

“All is quiet here so far,” she replies.

“Just how I want it to stay.”

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