Page 94 of Toxic Salvation
First mistake: putting Pavel in charge of Vesper and Luka’s security when he’s clearly more interested in Charity’s cleavage than protecting my family.
Second mistake: letting them leave the house to go to a goddamn mall.
Third mistake: letting them leave the house, period.
They could have spent a nice, safe day by the pool, surrounded by twenty-four-hour security and a state-of-the-art surveillance system. But Vesper had begged for some “normal” time with Charity and Luka and, idiot that I am, I’d relented.
It just goes to show that no good deed goes unpunished.
I find Pavel on the third floor of the mall, pacing between clusters of shoppers who keep staring at him like he’s a serial killer on the loose.
“Where are the guys?” I growl the moment he spots me.
“Doing a sweep. Don’t worry; they’re being subtle.”
“And this asshole who’s been following you?”
Pavel shifts his weight. “Listen, it was just a feeling. I’m not even sure we were actually followed, but I recognized his face and?—”
“Is it one of Ihor’s?”
“No. I can’t remember his name, but I’m pretty sure he was one of Yana’s ex-boyfriends. Face looked similar. At least, I think so.”
“Jesus Christ, Pavel. Did you just raise the alarm over some random guy whomightlook like one of Yana’s former fuck buddies?”
“He followed us through half a dozen different stores!” Pavel insists. “And I didn’t raise an alarm—I sent you an update. You didn’t have to drive down here.”
My patience evaporates. “Where are Vesper and Luka?”
Pavel points to a baby boutique a few doors down. “Hiding in one of the dressing rooms. Store was empty when I left them. Figured they’d be safe until I could confirm we were clear.”
“Empty? What about the staff?”
“Didn’t see anyone.”
“Fuck.” I push past him, heading for the store.
The moment I step inside, my instincts scream danger. The place is a ghost town. Alternative rock plays softly in the background, but otherwise, it’s dead silent.
I move toward the back as my mind spins through worst-case scenarios. What if I pull back those dressing room curtains and find three bodies? What if Ihor managed to get one of his men inside, kidnapped Luka, and left Charity and Vesper behind? Worse—what if he took both LukaandVesper?
The dressing rooms are even quieter than the front. Four stalls, two with curtains drawn. My stomach drops as I rush to the first one and yank the curtain back.
Empty.
I move to the second curtain, but just as I open it, something crashes into my face. Pain shoots through my skull and I taste blood.
“Oh my God. Kovan! It’s you!” Vesper’s voice is pure relief.
I blink through the pain, touching my mouth. “Blyat’. Not exactly what a knight expects when he goes on a rescue mission.”
“I am so sorry.” She grabs my face, her thumbs brushing over my split lip. “I can’t believe I hit you.”
“What did you hit me with? Because it was effective.”
“My purse,” Charity answers, peeking out with Luka’s face visible below hers. “Sorry about that.”
“Christ.” I work my jaw. “What do you have in there, rocks?”
