Page 71 of Dark Embers

The answer comes fast. A tall man strolls through the shattered front doors like he owns the place, flanked by guards—and three of mine. Ivan, Lev, and Syd.

“We’re sorry, boss,” Ivan mutters, his face bruised as they are pushed toward us and they move beside us..

“They hit hard,” Syd adds. “Took out the rest of our men with tranquilizer darts. We took a few down, but…”

“That’s enough,” the tall man snaps in Russian, his voice smooth as steel.

My blood runs cold as I meet the man’s eyes.

Vladislav Egorov.

The Enforcer.

One of the most feared men in Russia.

He meets my eyes. “Good evening, Mr. Mirochin. Apologies for the dramatic entrance.”

“What do you want, General?”

“We’re not here for you,” he replies. “We’re here for Miss Craft.”

My whole body locks up. “What the fuck do you want with my wife?”

He tilts his head, mildly intrigued. “That’s unfortunate to learn you are married to her. But I’m afraid it’s irrelevant. We will still take her with us.”

“Over my dead body,” I growl.

“We’d prefer no bloodshed. But if necessary—”

His eyes flick to Elena, then back to Sabrina, who has gone pale. “Is the child yours?”

Before I can speak, Sabrina blurts, “No. She’s Oleksi and Syd’s.”

Syd picks up fast. “Yes. She’s mine. Oleksi and I had an affair.”

Syd snatches Elena from me. “Don’t you dare put a hand on my daughter.”

I can’t breathe. I feel like I’m drowning in all the lies, all the chaos, as Vladislav nods slowly.

“We don’t need the child,” he says. “But Miss Craft… you’ll come with us. Now.”

“No.” I grab Sabrina’s hand. “If you take her, I’m coming with.”

“That won’t be possible Mr. Mirochin.” His eyes drag past me and land on Sabrina. “You have one minute Miss Craft to walk toward me,” Vladislav says coldly. “Or I will have everyone on this estate who is not one of mine killed. And that young baby will become a ward of the state.”

Sabrina gasps. I feel her shift beside me. I know what she’s about to do.

She turns to me and kisses me.

“No,” I whisper. “Don’t do this.”

“I have to,” she breathes. “There’s a burner phone in my bag. Call Sam. Then come find me—find us.” She gives me a sad knowing smile and I see her resolve is made. Those fierce instincts to protect all she loves shine through her eyes.

She presses my hand to her stomach. “I love you,” she says into my ear. “Please come find us.”

“I’ll burn this whole fucking country down to find you,” I promise, my hand still gripping hers.

She gently extracts her hand and turns toward me and Syd. “Look after Elena.”

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