Page 86 of Betrayed in the Dark
“Burn him,” I answer.
He nods before facing forward and accelerating the vehicle.
“Do you think they were involved with it?” Leo asks.
Vin sighs. “At this point, I wouldn’t put anything past them. But I don’t see what benefit it would have been for them to capture Eli and then release him just days later without gaining anything in return.”
“That’s the part I can’t figure out,” I say.
“Well, if it was them, then we have your back, Eli,” Vin asserts. “And they will be dealt with accordingly.”
Mauro grips my shoulder and nods in agreement.
The vehicle pulls over to the side of the road, and I look out the window to see armed men approaching.
“But Eli.” I stare at Vin’s cold blue eyes in the mirror. “If we find out you’re fucking our sister, then the Vasilievs will be the least of your problems.”
I don’t let him see the fear in my eyes, nor do I have a chance to react as my door suddenly opens.
The four of us step out of the vehicle, and I stare up at the name “Vasiliev” displayed in giant gold letters across the building. Fucking tacky.
I scoff. “You think they’re overcompensating for something?”
“Just wait until you see the rest of the place,” Leo tells me.
“If it isn’t my favorite guard,” Vin declares with a wide grin, directing his gaze at a bulky, short man standing before him.
The guard scowls. “Fuck off.”
Vin clicks his tongue in disapproval. “I thought you would have worked on your manners by now.”
“Why you fucking—”
“Enough!” a deep, throaty voice snaps. I look past the guards to see a large man standing with his hands clasped behind his back. I’m not as familiar with the Vasilievs as the Alaries are, but it doesn’t take a genius to recognize that this man is one of the infamous brothers.
“Kazimir.” Vin greets him with a mask of indifference. “You should try to teach your fucking guards to have some respect toward your guests.”
Kazimir’s lips curve into a calculating smile. “Apologies. We’re still in the process of weeding out any invaluable members during our transition,” he replies, his dark gaze resting on the guard, who visibly swallows. “But if you’ll follow me, my brothers are eager for your visit.”
“I’m sure they are.” Leo strides forward, and I follow closely behind, my senses heightened as we enter the building.
Kazimir points toward the front desk. “Check in your weapons.”
I quickly glance toward Vin, who nods.
Fuck, I don’t like this.
It feels like we’re walking right into a goddamn trap, unarmed.
After depositing our guns, we enter the elevator, easily filling in the small space.
Once the doors close, we ascend to the top floor.
Mauro tugs at the collar of his shirt.
“Don’t tell me the deadly Mauro Alarie is claustrophobic?” Kazimir mocks.
Mauro drops his hand and glares at him.
