Page 101 of Twisted Pact
“Either way,” Dmitri says, “you’ll have to convince them. Half want to cut losses, and half think backing down makes us weak.”
When the call ends, I sit and stare at the black screen. Tomorrow, I’ll defend risking everything for one man.
I can’t tell if strategy or love is driving the decision.
Mila appears in the doorway, holding a glass of water. “You look like hell.”
“I feel worse.”
“What happened?”
I close my eyes. A few weeks ago, I’d have kept her in the dark. But holding back only makes her worry.
“Novikov posted another video,” I say. “Your father’s alive, but they’re hurting him.”
Her face drains of color. “Can I see it?”
“Absolutely not. That video would send your blood pressure through the roof.”
“It’s my father, Alexei. I have a right to know.”
“Trust me. You don’t want that image burned into your head. It wrecked me, and I’ve seen worse. Please. For the baby.”
She moves closer, her jaw tight, and drops into the chair across from me. “Then tell me about the rescue.”
“I meet with senior command tomorrow. They’ll decide on resources.”
“You think they’ll say no?”
“Some of them think the risk is too high.”
“And if they refuse?”
“Then I’ll do it anyway, with whoever I can pull together.”
“That puts you at odds with your family.”
“Yes.”
She stares into her water glass as her voice gets quieter. “You’d risk everything for my father?”
“No. But for you, I’d risk it all.”
Her head lifts fast, and her eyes go wide. She doesn’t have to say a word; I see the answer in her face.
“They’ll back you,” she says finally. “They have to.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
“What can I do?”
“Rest. Take care of yourself and the baby. That’s all I need from you right now.”
She comes around the desk and squeezes my shoulder. “You’re going to save him. I know you will.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“I am. You’re the most stubborn man I’ve ever met. When you decide something needs to happen, it happens.”
