Page 104 of Beautiful Beast

That is, if he doesn’t die first.

ERIK

Sergei and I are glaring at each other when I get the call from Anya about Dante. I send the rest of our guests home and run out to my car.

“It’s a trap,” Sergei says. “You were stupid enough to let Anya leave.”

“I trust her not to run anymore.” And it’s the truth. I’ve noticed how relaxed she’s become at home. That’s partly why I wanted to bring Nadia to her tonight. I wanted her to know I saw the effort she was putting in and that I could put in the same effort.

“But now, she’s been kidnapped by our enemy, and you’re just going to walk into his hands and let him kill you?”

“Of course not. I’m going to kill him. We were trying to find a place to get Dante alone so I could kill him. Now, we have that chance.”

“At least take backup,” James says. “Take me with you.”

“All right. But you have to stay hidden. Dante will know I brought someone. I can’t risk losing you.” I turn to Sergei and Ivan, the only men still left from the party. “Do I have both of your support?”

“You punched me in the face,” Sergei hisses.

“And your wife killed one of my men,” Ivan objects.

“But she also saved your daughter, and you know it. And Sergei, I repeatedly told you to not put your hands on my wife ever again. And then you did. It was your own fault. Be man enough to admit that. Rally your men. Be ready to attack when I say so. We’re going to end Dante.” When they both hesitate, Iscoff. “If you don’t want power, then don’t help.” I get into my car and drive off. James follows behind in his own car.

The old me wouldn’t run into danger to save some woman. But Anya isn’t just any woman. She’s my wife, and I’ve found myself caring for her more and more. I don’t want to lose her, not just because I’m a possessive asshole, but because … I just don’t want to lose her.

I like her. She brings a strange sense of joy to my life I’ve never had.

I don’t want to lose that.

I arrive at the address Anya told me. It’s a large building under construction. Judging by the owner’s name on the side of the building—Vast Horizons Realty—this building is owned by Dante. I know the names of all his businesses, as I’m sure he knows mine.

No one will disturb us here, which is perfect for me. I want Dante dead, and he’s serving himself up on a platter.

I keep my gun ready in my pocket to pull out at any moment.

I step into lobby of the building. “Hello?”

Footsteps echo on the cement floors, and then, there he is. Dante. Finn is flanking his side. There’s no one else, but I’m sure Dante isn’t stupid. He has a backup plan just in case.

“You made it,” Dante says.

“I did. Let’s not waste any time talking.” I pull out my gun and start firing at him. He dives behind a wall while Finn fires back at me. I have no choice but to duck behind a pile of planks.

“I have your wife, Erik,” Dante calls out, “so you might not want to kill me just yet. If I die and don’t return within a few hours, Aiden is going to shoot your pretty wife’s brains right out of her head. So, you don’t want me dead.”

Damn it. I was so focused on killing Dante, I didn’t consider Anya. She’s still in danger, and I need to save her.

“And if I don’t kill you?”

His laugh sends a flash of anger through me. “Then your wife can live. But you have to give yourself up, Erik. Can you do that? You see, your wife doesn’t think you’re going to save her. Want to prove her wrong?”

To give myself up is against my nature. I’ve always done what’s best for me. I’ve always prioritized business over pleasure. Practicality over love. I could try to kill Dante. He’s only a man, after all.

If I die, Anya is fucked. But if I give myself over to Dante, there’s a chance Anya could be safe. A small chance, but a chance, nonetheless.

I asked her once what it would take to make her like me. I know now that being selfless and doing the right thing will be the only way to truly gain Anya’s trust.

And yet to do that, I have to give up everything I’ve ever worked for.

---