Page 49 of The Payment

The question hit her like a physical blow as she instinctively pressed a hand against her flat stomach.

“No,” she whispered.The word tasted like ash in her mouth.“If I stay married to Jarek, that’s one dream that won’t come to fruition.I will never have his child as long as he’s involved with the Irish mob.”

At thirty-five, her biological clock wasn’t just ticking—it was screaming.She had always imagined herself as a mother by thirty.Now, those dreams slowly slipped through her fingers.

With resignation dragging her spirit down, she sighed heavily.Love might heal many wounds, but could it fill the void of an unborn child?Even if Jarek’s tender touches and protective nature stemmed from genuine affection, even if he ever said the words, would that be enough?Could his love compensate for the children she would never have?

The shrill ring of her desk phone pierced the tension-filled office.

“Yes?”The word barely left Tatiana’s mouth when she heard the guard’s labored breathing.

“Mrs.Farrel, we’re being invaded!”The young security guard’s whisper trembled with raw terror.“Five trucks arrived with about fifty men swarming inside.”She heard the rapid click of his boots against marble as he moved.

The unmistakable sound of automatic gunfire crackled through the line.Tatiana jerked the receiver from her ear.Her fingers felt numb.

“What...oh my God!Is that gunfire?”

“Yes.”His voice cracked.“They just shot two of our guards.There’s so much blood...”

A scuffle sounded, followed by a gruff, older voice in her ear.“They’re demanding entrance to your private elevator, Mrs.Farrel.”She recognized Robert Ward’s voice.The Head of Security, who usually was calm and collected, now sounded stressed.“They already killed two of my men and shot three employees for refusing to give them the access code.”

Cold sweat beaded on her forehead.“Who are they?”

“Some of them are speaking in Russian, so I assume they’re from some local Bratva or syndicate.”

The word ‘Russian’ sent ice through her veins.Her knees weakened as realization struck.Gregor Polov had made his move.Her grandfather’s men had come to collect their prey.

“I don’t want anyone else to die here today.”Her voice shook.“Give them access to the elevator.”

“But I promised Mr.Farrel I’ll always protect you.”

“And you tried, but I refuse to be the reason innocent people die.It’s me they want, so do as I said.”Her words caught in her throat as another burst of gunfire echoed through the line.

“Only if you promise to run and phone Mr.Farrel.We’ll keep them from your fire escape elevator at the back of the building.It’s a security feature in your office that only a few of us know about.Use it, Mrs.Farrel.”

“Get the fuck out here!”The harsh command preceded the sound of splintering wood and more gunfire.The phone clattered to the floor, followed by Robert’s fading voice, “Don’t shoot.I’ll take you to the elevator.”

Tatiana’s hands shook so violently, she dropped her phone twice before managing to grab it.Her pulse roared in her ears.

“They’re here, Lev.Gregor Polov sent his men for me.We need to get out of here.Now!”

“Phone Jarek!”Levin grabbed her arm, practically dragging her toward the hidden panel.

Her trembling fingers found Jarek’s number as the elevator doors sealed them inside.The car began its descent, each floor marked by a soft ding that seemed to mock their desperation.Her breath came in short gasps that matched the pounding of her heart.

“Let’s pray they don’t know about this elevator or the escape tunnel below ground,” she murmured as the phone rang once, twice...Her free hand pressed against the cool metal wall, seeking stability as the elevator continued what seemed to be an agonizingly slow journey downward.

“Jarek.”Her voice cracked when he answered.“They’re here.Gregor’s men.”

“Jesus, fuck!”His curse echoed through her mind, and she swallowed hard as she heard the fear in his voice.

“They’ve already killed two security guards and wounded three people.”The elevator continued its descent, each floor taking them closer to either salvation or slaughter.“We’re in the fire escape elevator.Robert said he’d keep them away, but...”

“Hold fast, love.We’re on the way.”His voice darkened.“If they take you, stay calm, Tatiana, and know this...I will find you.”

“Just hurry the fuck up.”

“Be strong, love.”

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