Page 77 of Pretty Little Game

Nicolo nods thoughtfully, his eyes shifting to Ilya.

“I suggest we surround the area, as you said,” my brother agrees, “take down any men we find along the way. Then shoot out the windows from the tree line of the east and west side. We don’t shoot from the north–only secure the tree line–otherwise, we might risk shooting your brother or the girl.”

Nicolo’s eyebrows press into a frown, but he consents silently. “We should also take several cars in along the runway. We set up a barricade there and wait, shooting anyone who tries to escape.”

“Agreed,” Ilya says curtly. “Then, when there’s an opening,you and Iwill go in with a handful of our most skilled close-combat men. Grab your brother and the girl, then retreat.”

“Fine,” Nicolo agrees.

“I’m going in with you,” Lucca says determinedly.

Ilya glances in Lucca’s direction, assessing Cassio’s twin silently. A hint of respect appears on my brother’s guarded face.

Nicolo considers Lucca as well, his eyes narrowing. “You and Cass are going to be the end of me. Do you know that? Fucking pains in my ass every step of the way.” Nicolo’s tone is cutting, but the way he slings his arm around Lucca’s shoulders and pulls him into a noogie is so entirely steeped in brotherly affection that I’m struck with the realization that Nicolo might not be exactly as he seems.

“I’m coming too,” I state, meeting Ilya’s eye boldly.

“No.” He turns me down flat, his tone ringing with finality.

“But I know the way. I canhelp,” I insist.

“You are not going, Bianka,” Ilya says more firmly. “You will only be putting yourself in harm’s way, which would distract me from doing what needs to be done. I will only help retrieve your friends if you agree to stay here, where it is safe.”

Biting my lip, I fight the anxiety welling up inside me. The truth is I don’t know that I can survive the wait, the pain of not knowing if and when they might return and who might come back alive. But they need Ilya if this is going to succeed.

Nicolo’s men might have the guns, but it’s my brother and his men who are used to tactical infiltrations and fighting enemies like these. They’ve had years to develop strategies for handling these adversaries. Not to mention, only the men in my brother’s Bratva hold a candle to the size guards they’ll be up against.

No, if this is going to work, I have to set aside my own needs and think about what will work. They need the manpower.

“Fine,” I breathe, dropping my eyes, so Ilya won’t see I’m on the verge of crying.

“Good,” he says curtly, then adds, “I’m leaving Yefim and Erik with you.”

“No!” I argue adamantly. Yefim and Erik are his bodyguards, the two men I trust most to protect my brother’s life. If he’s going into a firefight, I want them by his side.

I seek them out in the group of men standing behind my brother, and their eyes look troubled, though they keep their expressions carefully blank. They might not like the idea of staying behind, but they won’t challenge my brother’s orders.

“You need them,” I insist. “I’ll be fine.”

“I’ll leave two of my men with her,” Nicolo offers, cutting short our debate, “to keep an eye out in case anyone should find our location here.”

Ilya’s shoulders relax ever so slightly. “Thank you,” he agrees with a nod.

Something about watching these two terrifying leaders managing to coordinate in a time of need is rather daunting. It amazes me that both my brother and Cassio’s seem so protective of their siblings–like they would do anything for us.

And Lucca, sweet Lucca, not hesitating to come to Cassio and Ellie’s aid. Somewhere along the line, despite the fucked-up scenario of all our upbringings, we’ve managed to form bonds that just might mean no one has to die today.

I couldn’t have asked for a better army to bring Ellie and Cassio back to me. Still, as Ilya presses a final kiss to my forehead and the men move out, I can’t stop the feeling of foreboding that leaves me shivering inside my brother’s warm coat.

Please, please, bring them back to me,I plead silently.And for the love of god, come back alive.

28

CASSIO

The report of gunfire jolts me from an uneasy stupor, and I snap up in my chair, releasing a pained groan as my head pulses and my ribs throb.

“Cassio?” Ellie whispers, terror in her voice. “Are you okay?”

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