Page 54 of Shatter Me

“Their mistake.” I pull up the building schematics on my tablet, already strategizing entry points. “How many men?”

“Two teams of four. You’ll lead the Alpha team through the service entrance. Surveillance shows her routine as she usually works from home on Saturdays.”

The familiar cold focus settles over me, pushing thoughts of Natasha aside. “Time frame?”

“We move in one hour. Erik’s already got the safe house prepped.”

I study the building layout, marking access points and escape routes. “Clean grab. No casualties unless absolutely necessary. She’s worth more as leverage.”

Nikolai’s eyes narrow. “You seem especially irritated today, brother.”

“I had plans.” I keep my voice neutral, but he knows me too well.

“Natasha?” His lips quirk. “She’ll understand. This is who we are.”

I ignore him, focusing on the tactical details. But a small voice whispers that Natasha won’t understand. Not this time. Not again.

One minute I’m telling her she’s mine; the next, I’m practically chucking her out the door with a wrapped-up omelet after a mind-blowing night of sex.

I stare at the building schematics, but my mind keeps drifting to the hurt in Tash’s eyes this morning. She’d gathered her clothes, spine straight and proud even as I’d brushed her off.

She deserves better than half-truths and sudden departures.

My fingers clench around my phone. I could call her, try to explain... but what would I say? Sorry, had to cancel our plans to kidnap my enemy’s daughter?

“Focus, Dmitri.” Nikolai’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “You’re distracted.”

“I’m fine.” But I’m not. For the first time in my life, I resent the obligations that come with our name. The violence and vendettas force me to push away the one person I’ve felt a connection with in my entire life.

Tash has too much self-respect to continue accepting my hot and cold act. She’s brilliant, passionate, and independent—everything I admire but can’t fully have while juggling this double life.

The worst part is knowing she’d understand if I could tell her the truth. Her quick mind could help her strategize. But every scrap of information I share puts her at risk. Igor’s men would love to get their hands on someone close to me.

“The teams are ready,” Nikolai says, studying me. “Are you?”

I straighten my tie, locking away thoughts of Tash behind the cold mask I wear for business. “Let’s go get the Lebedev heiress.”

But even as I check my weapon and head for the elevator, I know I’m losing Tash, one unexplained brush-off at a time.

I slide into the back of the black SUV, Ivan taking the wheel while Viktor rides shotgun. The rest of the Alpha team fills the second vehicle behind us. Through the tinted windows, I spot Nikolai’s convoy pulling out ahead—his team will cover the north entrance while we take the service area.

“Comms check,” Viktor’s gruff voice breaks the silence. A chorus of affirmatives crackles through our earpieces.

The morning traffic parts for our vehicles like water. Ivan’s driving is precise and measured—the calm before we strike. My phone buzzes: a message from Erik confirming the safe house preparations. He’s always thorough.

“Two minutes,” Ivan announces as we approach Katarina’s building.

I check my weapon one last time. “Remember—clean extraction. No casualties unless absolutely necessary.”

The SUVs split up, taking predetermined positions. My team files out silently, falling into formation. I hear Nikolai confirming his team’s position at the north entrance through my earpiece.

“Security camera loop in place,” Alexi’s voice comes through. “You’re clear.”

We move through the service entrance like shadows, neutralizing two guards with quick sleeper holds. The elevator requires a key card, which we swipe from one of the guards.

“Target confirmed on floor thirty-two,” Nikolai updates. “Moving in.”

The elevator opens to plush carpeting. We spread out, covering all angles. A maid pushing a cleaning cart freezes at the sight of us. Viktor guides her into a supply closet, securing the door.

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