Page 81 of Ruthless Bonds

There were also pictures of her and Dove, and then more of her gothic pieces she’d captured at abandoned buildings and churches. There was no doubt in my mind that she had talent. She just hadn’t had the right doors open for her yet, but I would kick them down if needed. Because everyone deserved to see what a treasure she was.

She practically dragged me back to the car and pushed me against the door. Her lips trailed along my jaw and down my neck. “Take me home,” she whisperedbreathlessly.

“As you wish,milaya.” Once inside the car, I reached over and buckled her seatbelt for her.

Less than five minutes later, my watch pinged with a text. My back tensed, and I gripped the steering wheel so tight my knuckles turned white.

“Kotic, I don’t want you to be alarmed,” I murmured.

“What?” Her head snapped in my direction. “Is there something wrong?”

“We’re being followed. But there’s nothing to worry about.”

As soon as the words left my lips, a shot was fired into the back windshield, making her gasp. The car was completely armored, so no matter how many bullets they shot, none could hit us.

“Kreos, that sounds like we need to be worried.” Her voice trembled as her hand went to the dagger sheathed at her thigh.

Something akin to pride burned in my chest as she pulled out the dagger, peering over her shoulder. The whole time I’d been terrified she would hate me for forcing her into this lifestyle, the same way my mother hated my father. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. She wasn’t panicking or crying. No, she was ready to fight. Not that she would need to. I’d told her many times before, I was always one step ahead of my enemies. Tonight was no different.

I turned into the entrance of an alley, navigating around the maze of trash and city dumpsters.

“This is a dead end.” Her face twisted with confusion. “Kreos, they can get to us much easier now.”

She was right, which was exactly what I wanted.I pressed a few buttons on my watch and spoke into it. “I want them alive.” Turning to her, I wrapped my hand around her neck and brought her toward me. “It’s all under control,milaya.” My lips pressed gently against hers just as headlights pulled up behind us.

They let off a stream of bullets, most likely with a machine gun. The noise was more of an irritation than anything else as I kissed her. Her hands fisted my shirt as her tongue danced with mine.

My watch pinged again, and I broke away from her, even though I didn’t want to. Her chest heaved as she stared at me with a question in her eyes.

“I’ll be right back.” I moved to open the door, but she reached out, stopping me.

“Wait,” she gasped. “You can’t go out there.”

“Trust me.” I brought her hand to my lips and kissed her knuckles. “Do not get out of this car, or I’ll spank your ass red when we get home. Understood?”

She nodded. I could see she didn’t want to behave, but I would not let her endanger herself over some thugs. I stepped out of the car and pressed the lock button. She wouldn’t be able to get out now even if she tried.

I straightened my suit jacket and marched over to the two men kneeling on the ground, their fingers laced behind their heads. Off to the side were Sago and Pyotr, two of my top men, holding guns to the backs of their heads. I never went anywhere without them, or at least four others. Alora didn’t know that because they blended into the background, undetectable. Which was exactly why these imbeciles on the concrete had thought I’d been alone tonight. Grig walked over from his car as well, waiting for my instructions.

“Gentlemen”—I towered over them, my gaze as cold as ice—“you’ve ruined my date night with my wife. Tell me why I shouldn’t cut off your heads and send them to your families.”

One man’s eyes widened, his lips trembling as he took me in. The other, though, you could tell he’d been in this lifestyle far too long.

“Fuck you, Zokrov.” He spat at my feet, which made Sago hit him in the back of the head with the butt of his pistol. “You and that whore wife. You’ll all be dead soon.”

A red haze flooded my vision at the mention of Alora. My hands clenched into fists, but I tried to contain my rage. Instead, I nodded to Sago and Pyotr. “Wrap them up and take them to Area C. Keep them breathing for now.” I motioned for Grig to follow me. “You’ll take Mrs. Zokrova home. Let me just talk to her for a moment.” He nodded, and I got back into the car.

“You locked me in here,” she seethed, glaring at me.

“What did I tell you would happen if you didn’t stay in the car?”

She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “I didn’t get out, because I couldn’t.”

“Exactly. So you tried. Which means you’ll be punished.” I reached over and dragged her into my lap. “But not now. I’ve got some business to attend to.” I kissed her gently, but I could feel her anger coming off her in waves. “Grig will take you home.”

“Wait.” She pulled back, staring into my eyes. “Is everything OK? Who are those men? Why are Pyotr and Sago here?”

I chuckled, pressing my forehead against hers. “One day, you will learn to trust me. I told you I had everything under control. I’m just sorry they ruined our date night.”

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