Page 109 of Unexpected Redemption

Hell, that was partially why I was so damned determined to try the bondage tonight. In my deluded mind, I was attemptingto prove I am not broken. The pictures I saw today don’t define me. I thought I could prove I’m stronger than I was before he hurt me.

Turns out, I wasn’t.

I could bring up those heavy topics now, but I’m not strong enough for that either.

Then again, I’m also exhausted. It’s been a hell of a day.

I nod slowly, agreeing with him. “Yes, babe. Tomorrow, I’ll talk to her, then explain everything to you.”

He places a series of kisses down the center of my face. One on my forehead, another between my brows, one on the tip of my nose and another on my lips.

And I feel so loved. So cherished.

Protected.

“Goodnight, Lettie.”

I give him the biggest sleepy grin I can manage. “Sweet dreams, my love.”

Tomorrow, I’ll try to figure out how to protect him in return.

Chapter 23

Now what?

TOMER

My eyes fly from left to right three times, re-reading the email I finished typing seconds ago.

The butterfly has emergedfrom the cocoon. Now what?

I lookover my shoulder to where Mia and Klein linger. “Is this really what we want to say?”

They trade glances, then Klein nods emphatically. “Do it, T.”

After hovering the mouse over the send button for two more seconds, I click it and hope to hell this isn’t a mistake.

Our strategy is hope now.That’sthe current state of the mission where Viktor fucking Lenkov is concerned.

Day after day of trying to find dirt on him that will hold up in court has yielded no fucking fruit.

I have no idea how he’s done it, but he’s managed to keep his fingerprints clear of anything related to the trafficking ring. Andfrom what we know, he has practically nothing to do with the other arms of Lenkov’s Bratva.

On paper, he’s clean as a whistle.

The mafia’s money moves around so efficiently it’s been nearly impossible for us to track thus far. Even with Mia and Klein helping me dig, I keep coming up empty. Well, in between the other mountains of shit we’re working on.

I spoke with a rep from the FBI trafficking task force this morning. After another day of finagling deals with the perps we’ve captured, none of them are willing to hang Viktor out to dry.

Not one will give him up.

Whatever that cocksucker is doing creates loyalty. Don’t mistake my meaning, though. He hasn’t earned those commitments based on his honorable leadership skills and interpersonal relationships.

It’s blackmail.

Some of the things Yev shared come to mind. Especially about how Katia and Viktor force their people into situations where photos and videos are taken. Little insurance policies.

I don’t feel bad for any of those fuckers. If they were willing to get in bed with the mafia, they deserve whatever they have coming to them. Especially the part of the bratva hurting innocent women like my Lettie.

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