Page 78 of Crimson Fury

Heavy bodies crash through the undergrowth from all directions. My heart feels as if it’s about to burst as I realize the futility of our situation. I come to a halt in a small clearing. There’s no other option.

Nikolai burrows against me, his face pressed against my side. He’s shaking with terror, and it’s all I can do to stop myself from doing the same as I look up into the circle of unforgiving faces that pull up around us.

Oh, Jesus!

We’re surrounded.

Chapter 26

Anton

The dim light of my study makes it hard to focus on the paperwork on my desk. But it’s not important. I’ve been unable to work anyway. Scarlett is all I can think about. The feel of her body pressed against mine has been burned into my senses. I don’t understand this woman or how she’s gotten under my skin so quickly.

Because you let her in, mudak!

I can’t deny that all my actions till now have led me to this point. Why did I drag her into my world in the first place?

Loneliness?

The idea is ludicrous. I have my son. My world. My business affairs. There’s no need to bring a woman into it.

And yet I did.

I rub my eyes, then stop when closing them brings visions of her to my mind. The sight of her in my bed. Writhing beneath me, crimson hair splayed over silken skin. She’s nothing like Katya, who was always so pure. Scarlett is fire where Katya was an angel. Perhaps it is fitting that I would draw a hellcat into my world. Perhaps it’s what I need.

You don’t need anyone.

But maybe I do. Nikolai surely does. My boy has blossomed these past weeks. I sigh as I lean back in my seat; folders lying open before me barely gather my attention.

I’m in over my head.

A loud crash outside is what jerks me from my thoughts. Shouts. Gunfire. My chest immediately tightens as adrenaline spikes through my veins.

Enemies.

Here.

Blyad!

I bolt from my chair, sending it crashing behind me. The sounds of chaos grow louder, more urgent. My mind races, thoughts tumbling over one another.

Nikolai!

Scarlett!

I have to find them.

I burst from my study and stride down the hall, hand instinctively reaching for the gun holstered at my side.

Where the fuck is Luka?

I’m about to call out to the man when I remember that I’d sent him into town this morning. For fuck’s sake! There couldn’t be a worse time to be without backup.

Reaching for my phone, I shoot a message to him, then dial the security team who should be patrolling the fenceline. The call rings unanswered. I try again on the backup line… Nothing.

Fuck!

Whoever got in here must have taken them out.

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