Page 61 of Surrogate for the Bratva
My gaze narrowed in his direction, and he laughed. “Okay, you’re fine and I’m happy to see it for myself.” I still didn’t like the idea of anyone getting hurt because of me but he was alive and smiling, and that had to be enough.
“Good. I’ll be here until Igor returns so if you need anything, let me know.”
“I will.”
“And don’t leave the compound. Don’t try to leave the compound,” his expression was completely serious. “In factdon’t leave the house without me at your side, not even for fresh air.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” I held up my hand in a solemn promise. “You’re not getting hurt on my watch again.”
Ivan laughed and his brown eyes sparkled. “Thanks for worrying about me.”
I closed the door and uncovered the dishes of food which included an Asian noodle dish along with an oversized bowl full of steamed vegetables in some kind of sauce. It was something different than what I usually ate—other than takeout with Kelsie—and I dug in, savoring every bite.
While I ate and watched the moon settle over the compound, my thoughts wandered back to Igor. Was he okay? Had hedealt withDmitry yet?
Did he choose this meal for me?
Those thoughts inevitably led me to thoughts of Igor. And me. And the way he made me feel last night.
Loved.
Cared for.
Cherished.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Igor
Maxim and I parked one block over from Dmitry’s home and walked the rest of the way, surprised to find a line of cars that led up to the driveway and music wafting on the evening breeze. “Looks like fate is shining down on us,” I told Maxim with a satisfied grin.
“Let’s hope so,” his expression remained grim as we made our way onto the property before we slipped into a side door while the oblivious partygoers entered through the front. “Chances are slim we’ll get him alone,” Maxim reminded me.
“Our chances are extremely good,” I assured him with a confident smile. “Dmitry likes to keep company with regular people who are fascinated by the rumors, but they will bore him soon enough.” I’ve kept a close eye on this man since my brother’s death, and I knew him well. Of course, his impromptu attacks caught me off guard, but they wouldn’t ever again.
We walked down a hall, passing servers with drink trays and appetizers while a pianist offered welcome music that masked our entry. “Where do you think we should wait, unless you plan to ambush him?”
“Yes and no,” I answered. “His office or his library. Those are a man’s sanctuary and that’s where he will go when he gets tired of answering questions about being in the mob.” I flashed a confident smile as we came upon tall double doors at the end of the hall. “It’s just far enough away that no one else will enter accidentally.”
“You’ve given this a lot of thought.” Maxim’s tone is part amusement and part pride.
“Been wanting to kill this fucker for a long time. Tonight is the night.” And I didn’t have to tell Maxim how important this night was.
“And it has nothing to do with you wanting to change things with April?”
My shoulders drooped at his words. “It may have a little to do with that. I am not sure how she feels. Most days I’m certain she hates me but then others I think it’s something more.” I shook my head and thought of the way she kissed me tonight, the way she urged me to end this the way a good Bratva wife would. “I cannot think of beginning anything real with her until I can stop worrying about Voronov.”
Maxim nodded. “Then I will take your lead.”
An hour passed and then another before finally the door to the library slid open. Dmitry entered and turned to the doors, closing them behind him. A heavy sigh escaped before he turned and leaned back with his eyes closed.
“Never take your eyes off your enemies.”
At my words, Dmitry’s eyes flew open. Shock showed first and then his body relaxed. “I never do,” he answered with a smile and pushed away from the doors. “I expected you much sooner, Igor.”
He was full of shit, I knew that. He was trying to get in my head. “Well here I am.”
His smile brightened. “You are going to kill me in a house filled with people?”
