Page 51 of Wicked Knight 2

When my past was taken away, I lost the ability to look to the future. All year, I’d been living in the moment, focusing only on the present. But now, with Donata by my side and Papa’s offer, I couldn’t help but want a very specific future.

“It would be an honor.” I beamed at him. “Ivan will have to understand. He’s my brother. I’m sure he will.”

He closed his eyes and exhaled loudly as if up until now, he’d been afraid I’d say no. But why would I say no? The Brotherhood was my home. The guys out in the courtyard, playing cards, were my family.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” He rose to his feet. When I did the same, he moved in to hug me. “I’m very proud of you, son. Now we have a lot of work to do and very little time.”

“I will not let you down. I promise.”

CHAPTER18

Belinda the Spy

Donata

I chugged the rest of my coffee and stomped back inside. Maxim was lost in this den of thieves. He didn’t belong here. I paced the length of the room as I considered my options. Seeing him playing cards with his crew made me realize that if I didn’t act now, I would lose my husband forever.

Last night, in the throes of yet another round of mind-blowing sex, I seriously considered the idea of staying here with Maxim. But this life wasn’t for me. And it wasn’t for Luca either. If Maxim could remember, he would see that. I had to do something to make him see the truth. To make him see that his reality wasn’t as scary as he thought.

His life and our love were not in danger anymore. We could finally go home and be together. But what could I do? He loved Papa, and even his crazy brother, Ivan. My word was nothing against theirs. Even if Maxim had feelings for me, my word wasn’t enough.

I needed help. If Rex, Enzo and Santino were here, I could come up with a plan to take Luca away from this place. But it wasn’t like I could just pick up the phone and call them. Papa had been smart to prohibit devices in the compound. Of course, if Maxim had wanted to know the truth, he could’ve bought a burner phone during the weeks when he wasn’t home.

And that was the crux of it all. Maxim didn’t want to know the truth. He loved it here.

“Argh.” I stomped my foot. Maxim and Luca had this one trait in common. They could both be so fucking stubborn.

I did another round of pacing, then froze. What about my mobile? I had it on me when Ivan grabbed me outside the hospital. He took it from me as soon as we arrived. Did he throw it away? Or did he keep it in case he had to reach out to my family and ask for a ransom?

From what I understood about Ivan, he was always in trouble with Papa for not following his rules. Maybe he figured one day my phone would be leverage of some sort. And he would be right about that. I would do anything to get it back, to be able to show Maxim pictures of us, and to call for help.

Blood pumped hard through me as a plan began to form in my head. The men were gone most of the day. Sneaking out of my suite to find Ivan’s would be an easy thing. Or at least, doable. If I got caught, I could just say I got lost. Or that I was curious about the house. Omigod, this could work.

I rushed to the door, but before I reached it, it burst open. “Sorry.” Irina stared at me like a deer in headlights. “I didn’t think you’d be here. It’s so nice out.”

“It’s fine. You can come in.”

“I’m here for the tray.” She pointed at the balcony.

“Oh yeah, sure. Thank you. The breakfast was delicious.” I stepped aside to let her through.

I was prepared to check every room upstairs until I found Ivan’s. But if Irina could point me in the right direction, that would save me so much time.

“Hey, do you need help with that?” I asked.

“No, I can manage.”

“Right.” Fuck. I couldn’t just ask her to tell me where Ivan’s room was. She would know I was up to something. Or worse, she might think I wanted something with Ivan. I hadn’t thought about that. What would Maxim think if he found me in another man’s bedroom? Would he be jealous? Or was his anger reserved only for Luca? “It’s a lot of work, cleaning and cooking for so many people.”

“It is.” She smiled at me and picked up the tray. “Ivan’s room is the worst. He leaves everything all over the place. Every day is the same thing.” She pursed her lips.

“Oh, I didn’t know he lived here too,” I lied.

“He does. He’s three doors down.”

“How about that?” I covered my mouth to hide my grin. This was a sign. Going through Ivan’s things was the right call, the only call. “Well, if you ever need help, I have two hands. I can help you clean his room or whatever.”

“I don’t think Maxim would like that.” She bit her lip while she considered my offer. “I’ll ask Mom.”

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