Page 120 of Ruined

"There's more." Her voice drops. "He told me something about Ivan. Apparently, Ivan has family connections back in Moscow—powerful ones. He said they might come looking for whoever killed him."

My blood turns cold. "What exactly did he say about these connections?"

"That Ivan's uncle is high up in the Russian government. That his cousins run half the criminal enterprises in Eastern Europe."

I close my eyes, my jaw clenching. "Did your father have any direct contact with these people?"

"He mentioned meetings. Business arrangements." Evelyn pauses. "Noah, what are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking your father might have painted a target on his back." I grab my keys from the counter. "And possibly on yours too."

"You think they'd come after him? After me?"

"Russians don't forget, Evelyn. They don't forgive." I'm already moving toward the door. "Do you need me to come over? Help you pack?"

"No, I'm almost done here. Jessica's with me."

I stop at the door. "I don't like this. Your father knowing these people... it changes things."

"Noah—"

"Stay where you are. Don't leave until I arrive."

"You're overreacting."

"No, I'm not." My voice hardens. "Ivan was just the beginning. If what your father says is true, we need to be ready."

I hang up with Evelyn and immediately dial Franco's number. He's one of the men I assigned to watch her—ex-military, deadly accurate with a pistol, and smart enough to stay invisible.

"Boss." Franco answers on the first ring.

"Listen carefully." I pace across the living room, adrenaline already pumping through my veins. "There's new information. Ivan's family connections in Russia might be looking for payback."

"Understood." His voice is calm, professional. "We've maintained distance as instructed. No one's approached the residence."

"That could change any minute." I grab my gun from the safe, checking the magazine. "I need you and Vito to be extra vigilant. Anyone suspicious—anyone at all—I want to know immediately."

"Yes, sir."

"If something feels off, don't wait. Call me, then act. Understood?"

"Crystal clear."

"Their safety is priority one. If there's even a hint of danger, get them out of there. Don't wait for my orders."

"And the destination if extraction is necessary?"

"The safe house in Queens. I've already alerted Matteo to prepare it." I slide the gun into my holster. "If you can't reach me contact Matteo directly."

"Got it. Anything else?"

I pause, considering how much to say. "Yeah. The girl—Evelyn—she's... important. If it comes down to a choice, she's the priority."

There's a brief silence on the line. Franco's been with me long enough to know I've never given that kind of instruction before.

"Understood, boss. We won't let you down."

I end the call and grab my jacket. The thought of Russian operatives coming after Evelyn makes my chest tighten—right where the bullet wound is still healing. I need to move fast, get to her before anything happens.

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