Page 169 of Bratva's Vow
“What are we going to do with him?” I asked. “Let him go?”
Sergei shook his head. “No. Not until we have Archie in the ground.”
I narrowed my eyes. “We should probably terminate the doctor. Quietly. It can be merciful.”
Sergei frowned. “Maybe that’s not necessary.”
“What’s with you?”
He didn’t answer. That alone set off warning bells. Sergei always had an answer.
“Do you really want to kill the guy who risked his life to warn you and is actively working to get Wren to safety?”
I looked at him closer. “You believe him?”
Sergei avoided my gaze. “I think he might be the only reason Wren is still alive. You killed his husband, but he’s saving yours.”
I said nothing. I didn’t like it. Didn’t trust it. But Sergei had a point. Leo had every reason to stay away, but he’d come back.
“So what do I do with him?” I asked finally.
“Leave him to me,” Sergei said. “If he has any intention of hurting you or Wren, I’ll find it out. And I’ll handle it.”
Leo ended the call and turned toward us. “He said they can have a fully equipped evac team here in two hours. I’ll start the paperwork and prep for transfer immediately.”
I gave him a curt nod, then nodded to Sergei. “Follow him.”
Leo raised both hands. “Wait. You can’t follow me around the hospital. People will stare.”
Sergei arched an eyebrow and smirked. “Then think up a story, princess,” he said coolly. “Because I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
Color rushed into Leo’s cheeks, and he muttered something under his breath as he strode toward the door.
Sergei caught my gaze one last time and nodded. He’d watch him. If Leo made one wrong move, he wouldn’t live to regret it.
I turned back to Wren.
Two hours.
Hold on, solnyshko. Just a little longer.
CHAPTER FORTY
MAXIM
The helicopter blades cut through the night like a threat.
The landing pad was a blaze of cold light and motion—medics in flight suits moving with practiced urgency, their hands gloved, their eyes hidden behind dark visors. Wren was already strapped to the gurney, swaddled in white sheets like a ghost. His head lolled to the side, cheek slack against the pillow. The sedation had done its job too well.
If only his eyes were open so I could stare into them one more time before I had to send him off without me. At least he would have Jess and Nik accompanying him. They hadn’t hesitated when I called them about the plan.
I walked up beside Wren and brushed his hair back from his forehead with trembling fingers. His skin was warm—too warm—and clammy with fever. Again. A line of sweat glistened along his temple.
The dog in my arms whimpered, sharing my anxiety as itgazed at Wren. He barked once, body wiggling as if wanting to go to the boy who’d shown him so much love in only a few days. I understood fully well the effect he had on others, given I’d also fallen under his spell upon our first meeting.
“I’m coming right behind you, solnyshko,” I whispered, leaning down. My lips touched the corner of his mouth, a kiss that felt more like a vow. “You just rest. Let them get you there safely.”
He didn’t stir. Didn’t so much as twitch.
