Page 31 of Sweet Union
“You came.”
“I did. You called, and I’m not about to leave my dad hanging.”
“Father-in-law,” he reminds me.
“Where have you been shot?”
“The shoulder. The abdomen. Just get me to my house. I have a doctor coming to fix me up. And then, you’re going to save Natalya.”
“I don’t even know where she was taken.”
He grabs my hand. “You’ll find out.”
I help Alek into my car and take him to his house. Katia gasps when we come inside.
“What happened?” she asks, following me as I deposit Alek onto his nice white couch. That will have to be replaced.
“He was shot. Natalya was kidnapped by Romeo. Why the fuck was she not here?”
“She wanted to follow you,” Katia explains. “Alek offered to take her to you.”
“Fuck,” I mutter. “That girl cannot listen.”
Alek’s lips twitch. “No, she cannot.”
The doctor arrives. He pushes Katia and me out of the room so he can focus on fixing up Alek.
Katia surprises me by pulling me into a hug. “How is this happening?”
“Romeo is a slimy fucker. I’ll get Nat back. I promise. Alek will survive this. He’s strong.”
“I know he is.” She pulls back. “I’m glad my daughter has you.”
“Even though she got kidnapped.”
“It’s because you were apart. Natalya told me that you’re stronger together. Remember that. Always.”
“I will.”
My phone rings. I don’t recognize the number, but I answer anyway. “Yes?”
“I’m assuming you’ll want your wife back.” It’s fucking Romeo. Of course, it is.
I grip my phone tighter. “Where is she?”
“I’ll tell you. But you must promise to come alone.”
“Fine. Tell me where she is.”
He rattles off an address. “I’ll be waiting.” He hangs up.
I walk to the door, but Katia stops me. “Luca, wait. Don’t rush into something.”
“Romeo has her. I’m going to get her back. I’m not waiting.”
“Please. Just go in with a plan.”
“Every plan has ended in disaster.”
