Page 103 of Twisted Pact
“What alternative?”
“You hearing real-time updates while men are dying. While your father is in danger. Your health can’t handle that kind of stress.”
I throw my hands in the air and yell, “My health can’t handle isolation, either.”
Alexei drags his hands through his hair. “It’s the only way I could get them to agree to help. What do you want from me?”
“I want to come with you.”
Alexei whips his head from side to side. “Absolutely not.”
“I’ll find my way there,” I counter, planting my fists on my hips.
He stands so fast the bed creaks. “Like hell you will.”
“Watch me.” I cross my arms and meet his glare. “You can either let me come and stay in the vehicle at a safe distance, or I’ll wait until you leave and drive there myself.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me. I might be pregnant, but I’m not helpless. I’m done being treated like a fragile thing that needs to be locked away while real life happens around me.”
“This isn’t real life. This is a Bratva operation that could get you killed.”
“At least if I’m there, I’ll know if something goes wrong. I won’t spend hours imagining the worst possible scenarios.”
His jaw works like he’s grinding his teeth to powder. I recognize that look. He’s running through every argument and realizing none of them will work.
“You stay in the armored vehicle,” he relents, though I can tell it pains him. “You do not leave it for any reason. You don’t approach the compound. You wait at a designated safe distance with a full security detail.”
“Deal,” I agree with a quick nod.
“Dr. Orlov rides with us. He monitors you throughout the operation. Any sign of distress, and we pull back.”
I consider arguing, but recognize a compromise when I hear one. “Fine.”
“Christ.” He collapses back onto the bed. “You’re going to be the death of me.”
“Better me than Novikov.”
“That’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking.”
He looks up at me with admiration mixed with frustration. “How did I fall for the most stubborn woman in Moscow?”
The question makes my chest flutter. Not love… yet. But close enough to make heat bloom across my face.
“You have terrible taste in women,” I tease with a grin.
“Apparently.”
The operation launches at dawn. I ride in the second vehicle with Dr. Orlov and two guards whose names I don’t know. Alexei insisted on separate cars, claiming he needs to focus without worrying about me.
More likely, he wants to keep me as far from danger as possible while still honoring our agreement.
The warehouse district materializes through the morning fog. Industrial buildings stretch in every direction, most of them abandoned, from the looks of them. Perfect location for illegal activities. No witnesses or civilian casualties.
Our convoy stops about two hundred yards from the target building. Through the windshield, I see Alexei’s vehicle parked closer to the action. Men in tactical gear spread out in formation.
