Page 207 of Inferno

What eats me alive isn’t just the plan. It’s how quickly she was willing to walk away from us.

To leave. Like I’m just a chapter she’s ready to close.

“Finn. Conan. Take her home.”

The door opens and Mikhail steps back in, phone on speaker.

“He needs proof of life.”

Charlotte steps up, brushing right past me, and takes the phone.

“Voitelnitsa.”

A pause.

“Are you okay?” Drago’s voice is deep.

“Yes. This was my idea. We need to talk.”

“How’s she?”

That cracks Charlotte’s calm. “Keeping you on your toes?”

He chuckles.

Her breath hitches. My heart clenches.

“She doesn’t know me,” I whisper to Finn.

“You okay?”

“No.”

“You trust her?”

I nod.

“I don’t want to lose her, Finn. I can’t.”

“You won’t.”

His voice is convincing. His hand grips my arm.

“We’ve got this. Like always.”

“Tell her mommy loves her. I’ll see her soon.”

Her voice breaks. I move, pulling her into me, arms locked around her waist like I’ll never let go.

“I will. I tell her every night,” Drago replies softly.

Charlotte’s still holding the phone. “Is this really it?”

“It is,” Drago answers. “You understand the danger?”

I grip her tighter. I like this guy. He gives a damn.

“Yes. But I’ve spent ten years planning my escape. This was always the endgame. Only now, I’m not alone.”

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