Page 198 of Inferno

“Ivan’s dead.”

I nod.

“I wouldn’t work with that piece of shit anyway. His son, Mikhail. He will be our ticket into Russia.”

I watch as the cogs in her head turn.

“I have a contact inside. We need to reach him.”

“Him?”

Jealousy rages through me.

“Drago. He’s why I’m alive and why Isabella doesn’t have a clue how awful these people are. He keeps her sheltered.”

“Yet sends you into Decadence.”

Running my hands through my hair. What are the chances Vlad knew I ran this game? Or that I’m her father?

Not many people know until they are entered into Inferno that the Quinn brothers run it. But I don’t see this being a coincidence.

I need Enzo. And I need my brothers.

Holy fuck, they are going to lose their minds over this.

Stepping forward, I run my fingers through her soft curls.

“I’ve got you, baby.” I lean in to kiss her and she turns her cheek.

“What?”

“I’m not some weak little princess that needs saving. Don’t treat me like that. Equals or nothing. She’s my daughter. He’s my husband—and my kill. I’ve saved a space for him on my arm already.”

A smirk tugs at my lips as I glance at the flowers delicately wrapping her arm.

“Ah. So that’s what they are.” I trace them with my finger.

“That’s a lot of kills. You naughty girl.”

She freezes, and I lean in, pressing a soft kiss on her shoulder.

“A warrior is never embarrassed or ashamed of their kills. Wear them with pride, not remorse. Every flower is a reminder you fought.”

“What if I’m always this monster?” she says quietly.

“You aren’t one. Not really. I see past you, just as you do me. Deep in here is the woman you truly are.” I press my finger in the center of her chest.

“But right now, we need that fighter in you to take the stage. For our little girl.”

Taking her face in my hands, I press a kiss on her plump lips.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“What for?”

“For beating the truth into me. For protecting our daughter. I’m so fucking proud of you.” I kiss the tip of her nose and wipe away her tears.

“I’d die for her, Declan.”

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