Page 104 of Lethal Alliance

“Roman!” Ofelia’s pale face and wide, stark eyes come into view. Her arm is tightly around Masha, who looks defiant and tearstained as she clings to her sister.

It takes everything I have not to put my fist through the screen.

“Umnyashka.”I force myself to smile at Ofelia. “Myshka,”I say, shifting my smile to Masha. “Are you okay?”

“I don’t like it here.” Masha sniffs, glaring at someone off camera.

My fingers clench beneath the table. “I know, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”

“We’re okay.” Ofelia stares directly at the camera with a hard wariness that breaks my heart. She turns to Masha, revealing a vivid red mark down one side of her face.

“What happened to your face?” There’s nothing I can do to disguise the fury in my voice.

“It happened when the bomb went off.” Her eyes flicker up to whoever is standing behind the camera. “I’m okay. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

But you’ll have that scar for the rest of your life.As if the scars inside weren’t enough.

Inhale. Exhale.

“This will be over soon, I promise.”

Ofelia nods her head slightly. “I know.” Her tremulous smile breaks my fucking heart.

Thank God I made sure Mickey isn’t watching this.

“That’s enough.” The camera moves again, back to Orlov’s sneering face. “They’re alive, as you can see. Open the vault for me, and you can take them home.”

“We will be at the compound in an hour.” My voice is calm and measured, and nothing like the vicious killing rage racing through my body.

“Only one car. No weapons. And don’t even think about trying anything, Borovsky. You know what will happen if you do.”

The camera switches back to Ofelia’s pale, set face and Masha’s defiant glare. I stare directly into Ofelia’s midnight eyes, wondering how I never saw myself in them. “I’ll be there soon, okay?”

Be ready.

Ofelia gives the barest nod of her head, her lips pressed hard together. Masha hiccups.

Orlov’s face fills the camera again.

You will be dead soon, you fat fuck.

“One hour, Borovsky.”

The screen goes black.

“Motherfucker!” I push the chair back so hard it flies across the floor. I grip the edge of the table in front of me, battling for control. Nobody speaks. They know there’s nothing they can say that will make this better.

“It’s go time,” I say tightly, staring at the schematics in front of me.

Mak nods. “Bravo Team, we’re on the clock,” he says into his headpiece. He nods at me. “I’ll keep you posted.”

I stalk out to the armored limo flanked by Dimitry and four members of Alpha Team, but all I can see are the two small, terrified faces of my daughters.

Mickey glances up from his position by the door as I pass. His eyes narrow when he sees my face.

“They’re okay,” I snarl, wrenching the limo door open.

He stands up and walks over, putting his hand out. I ignore it and pull him into a brief, hard embrace.

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