Page 76 of Filthy Lies

“What’s wrong?” I ask under my breath.

“Nothing,” he replies, too quickly. “Arkady’s just being thorough.”

I know a lie when I hear one, but now isn’t the time to press. We continue toward the church doors, where sunlight streams in, bright and promising.

We’re halfway down the aisle when the first shot rings out.

The sound is unmistakable—a sharp crack that echoes through the holy space like a thunderclap.

Then another.

And another.

Vince’s body shields mine instantly, pushing me down between the pews. Sofiya wails in my arms. She’s so new to this planet, but even she knows enough to be afraid.

“Stay down!” Vince orders, his gun already drawn.

The church erupts into controlled chaos. Guards materialize from every corner, weapons appearing from beneath jackets and hymnal shelves.

Grigor’s men form a protective circle around him. Andrei’s do the same. Daniil pulls Anastasia to the floor, covering her body with his.

More gunfire outside. Closer now.

“The baby?” Vince asks, his eyes wild with fear I’ve rarely seen.

“She’s okay.” I clutch Sofiya tighter. “What’s happening?”

“Solovyovs,” he spits.

Arkady appears beside us, crouched low. “We need to move. Now. There’s a secure room beneath the vestry.”

I press my cheek against Sofiya’s head, feeling her tiny heart racing against mine. The necklace Vince gave me suddenly feels heavier. The peace I felt just moments ago has shattered completely, replaced by the all-too-familiar surge of adrenaline and fear.

“I’ve got you,” I whisper to Sofiya as Vince and Arkady create a human shield around us. “Mama’s got you.”

As we hurry toward safety, I can’t help thinking how quickly we’ve returned to what I’m trying so hard to run from.

Welcome to the world, Sofiya Akopov.

Where even baptism comes with bullets.

29

VINCE

My training kicks in before conscious thought does.

“Move! Now!”

I herd Rowan and Sofiya toward the vestry, where we planned the secure room just in case this exact thing happened. Arkady flanks their other side while my security team takes positions at the doors.

Sofiya wails against Rowan’s chest. The sound is a fucking scalpel to the soul.

“Stay with them,” I order Arkady. “I need to coordinate the response.”

Rowan grabs my arm. “Vince?—”

“I’ll be right back. I promise.” I meet her eyes. “Keep our daughter safe.”

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