Page 61 of Perfect Stalker

Alexei snarls, launching himself at Ivan with renewed fury. They crash to the ground, rolling and thrashing. I lose sight of who has the upper hand, and my heart is galloping so hard I think it might burst from my chest.

Suddenly, Ivan gains the advantage. He pins Alexei to the ground, one hand gripping his throat while the other raises a knife. Time seems to slow while I watch the blade descend.

Alexei’s eyes widen in shock and fear. He opens his mouth, perhaps to beg or curse, but no sound comes out. The knife enters his throat, spraying an arc of blood, and accompanied by a sickening gurgle. Ivan doesn’t hesitate. He twists the blade, ensuring the wound is fatal. Alexei’s body jerks twice, then goes still.

The warehouse falls silent except for Ivan’s heavy breathing. He stands slowly, never looking away from Alexei’s lifeless form. Blood drips from the knife in his hand, forming a small puddle on the concrete floor.

I stare at the scene before me, unable to process what I’ve just witnessed. Ivan turns to face me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I see a flicker of something in his eyes—regret? Sorrow? It’s gone so quickly I might have imagined it.

“It’s over,” he says, his voice hoarse.

I nod, unable to find my voice. Ivan wipes the blade clean on Alexei’s shirt before tucking it away. He then turns to address his men.

“Clean this up,” he says, his tone cold and efficient. “No traces left behind.”

The men nod and move forward, their faces impassive as they begin the grim task of disposing of Alexei’s body and dealing with the others, all under Marcus’s watchful command. I observe in stunned silence as they work with practiced efficiency.

Ivan approaches me, his steps measured and careful, as if he’s afraid I might bolt. “Are you hurt?” he asks, scanning me for injuries.

I shake my head, finding my voice at last. “No, I’m... I’m okay.”

He nods, looking relieved. “Good. We need to leave now.” He pulls me against him, wincing when I touch his side.

“What’s wrong?”

“Cracked ribs. Maybe worse by now.” He waves a hand. “I’ll send for Dr. Olsen later.”

As he leads me toward the exit, I glance back at where Alexei’s body had been. The concrete is already being scrubbed clean, erasing all evidence of the brutal fight that had just taken place. Other men are dragging away the corpses of Alexei’s men, while yet another group herds the survivors into a huddle. I don’t ask what will happen to them.

Outside, the cool night air hits my face, and I inhale deeply before exhaling slowly, trying to clear my head. He guides me to a waiting car, his hand on the small of my back. As we slide into the backseat, I finally allow myself to relax slightly. “Are Andre and Daniil dead?”

“Nyet. They were wearing body armor. They’re bruised, and Daniil took a bullet to the arm, but they’ll live and will soon be guarding you again.”

I let out a sigh of relief. I’ve accepted having a guard will be a fact of life with Ivan, and with the baby on the way, I’m glad to have the extra safety. “They didn’t fail you,” I say suddenly, remembering him telling me he sent the first men who failed me back to Russia to face outstanding warrants from the FSB. “We were ambushed?—”

He smiles. “I know. As I said, they’ll be back to work soon. They took bullets for you,kotik. I couldn’t ask for more than that.”

I let out a long exhalation, relieved on their behalf. “Where are we going?” I ask as the SUV pulls away from the warehouse.

Ivan’s eyes meet mine in the dim light. “Home,” he says. “We have a lot to discuss.”

I nod, suddenly exhausted. The adrenaline is wearing off, leaving me feeling drained and shaky. As the city lights blur past the window, I lean my head against the cool glass and close my eyes.

The events of the night replay in my mind—Stephen’s attack, Alexei’s threats, and finally, Ivan’s deadly efficiency in eliminating the threat. I shudder, remembering the cold look in Ivan’s eyes as he delivered the fatal blow.

“Jenny?” Ivan’s voice breaks through my thoughts. I open my eyes to find him watching me intently. “I know what you saw tonight was...difficult, but you have to understand, it was necessary.”

I swallow hard, trying to find the right words. “I know. I just... I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

He tightens his arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him. The warmth of his body seeps through my thin dress. I’m shaking, but not from cold. The events of the night replay in my mind like a horror movie on loop.

“Jenny?” His voice is low, meant only for my ears. “Look at me.”

I lift my gaze to meet his, struck by the intensity burning in his eyes. There’s something fierce there, something primal and possessive that should terrify me. Instead, it sends a shiver of excitement through me.

“You’re safe now,” he says, his thumb tracing soothing circles on my arm. “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.”

I want to believe him. God, how I want to, but the memory of Stephen’s hands on me, of Alexei’s cold, calculating gaze, is still too fresh. “How can you be sure?” I whisper, hating how small my voice sounds.

---