Page 81 of Twisted Prince

Vinny’s eyes widen, and he hesitates for the breadth of a second. Then Gleb’s grip shifts, silently warning him that he could snap Vinny’s neck without even trying. He releases me, leaving my scalp tingling and my cheek on fire as I sit in a heap on the floor.

What happens next takes place so quickly, I almost can’t keep up. Just like he did that night at the club, Gleb lifts Vinny off the ground. And he slams him down with such force that the floor shakes beneath me.

A startled scream downstairs tells me that the peaceful breakfast has been interrupted. I pray that Kieri has the sense to keep Gabby away from the violence that’s taking place right now.

Because Gleb is on top of Vinny in a flash, pinning his arms down so the Irishman can’t even protect himself as Gleb goes to town.

Knuckles bare, Gleb punches Vinny with such force that his head snaps sideways, blood spraying across the carpet. Gurgling howls burst from my attacker as he flails helplessly beneath my savior. And as his face turns into a bloody pulp, I’m struck with the realization that Gleb’s not going to stop until he’s dead.

Scrambling to my feet, I close the distance between us as I scream Gleb’s name. Throwing my arms around his back and chest, I try fruitlessly to pull him off Vinny.

“Stop, please stop!” I beg. “Gleb, you can’t kill him. Please!”

That seems to get through to him, and though I can tell he doesn’t want to, Gleb pauses his assault, his arms falling heavily at his sides as he breathes heavily. “He deserves to die for laying a hand on you,” he growls, the predatory sound raising goosebumps along my neck and arms.

“Killing Keoghan’s cousin would only bring the Irish mob down on your head,” I reason. “Please, Gleb. It’s not worth it.” And though he’s not fighting me anymore, I continue to pull back on him, guiding him off Vinny’s limp body.

Please, tell me he’s not dead already, I plead to whatever god will listen.

As the fight drains out of Gleb, his weight shifts toward me, and we slump onto the floor in a panting tangle of limbs. Only then can I see the faint rise and fall of the Irishman’s chest. I can hear the rattle of his breath rushing between his broken lips and past his bloody nose.

Clinging to Gleb, I tremble as the adrenaline pounds through my veins. And for a moment, I rest my forehead against his shoulder, soaking up the comfort of his unyielding presence.

His hand finds my wrist, massaging it gently to tell me silently that he’s under control. I don’t need to keep restraining him. As warmth floods my body, I look up to find his knuckles cracked and bloody from the relentless pounding they delivered. Releasing a shuddering breath, I let him go, and he turns on the floor and faces me.

“Are you hurt?” he rasps, his violent hand cradling my jaw with such tenderness it brings tears to my eyes. His seafoam green gaze studies my throbbing cheek, the fire there igniting with fresh fury. Then his eyes trail down to my brutalized throat. “Chertovo zhivotnoye,” he hisses, and though I don’t know what it means, I can gather by his expression that it’s not nice.

“I’m fine,” I promise. “I’ll be fine. But we really should go before he wakes up.”

Gleb snorts. “He won’t be waking up anytime soon. Your lady downstairs can call him an ambulance as soon as we leave.”

I nod. “Still, we should go. I don’t want Gabby to see…” My eyes flick toward Vinny’s brutalized face.

Thankfully, Kieri hasn’t let her come up to investigate, but the longer we wait, the more likely she’ll be to see the grizzly sight. Gleb nods, his hand falling from my chin. And with the graceful poise of a cat, he rises to his feet, pulling me with him.

“Do you have much more to pack?” he asks, scanning the empty room.

I shake my head and stoop to collect the fallen clothes, shoving them into the trash bag once again. I carry it to the nightstand and scoop the remaining items from the tiny surface, unwilling to take the time to set them in carefully. I’ve never wanted to leave so desperately in my life.

“I’m all set,” I say, and when I turn, Gleb already has the duffle bag slung over his shoulder, the oversized suitcase gripped in his free hand. Shoulders slumping, I fight the tears that sting the backs of my eyes. “Gleb… thank you,” I murmur. “I know you didn’t have to come get us, and I just?—”

“It’s fine, Mel,” he says, his voice gruff, his face a mask of serenity. And for once, I can’t read the deep emotion in his eyes. Hurt? Anger? Concern? Disappointment? Love? I can’t tell, and I’m too scared to ask.

We make our way downstairs without another word, and as soon as we reach the landing, I find Kieri with Gabby in her arms, a look of deep concern on her face. Relief washes over her features as soon as she sees me. Then tears shine in her eyes as she takes in the bags and suitcase.

“You’re leaving?” she murmurs.

I nod. “I’m sorry. But I have to go. You were right. About Vinny.” My chest tightens as I think about all the good counsel Kieri has given me over the past few years. She’s something like the mother I lost at such a young age.

And when she nods her understanding, it makes my heart break.

“I’ll miss you girls,” she murmurs, giving Gabby a tight squeeze, then does the same to me before handing over my daughter.

“We’ll miss you too,” I breathe.

“Call me when you’re safe?”

I nod, hoisting Gabby onto my hip and collecting the trash bags once more. “Love you, kupuna.”

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