Page 270 of Inferno

Drago is my only concern. The one who saved me from complete captivity.

His alliance was once with Vlad. But the moment he saw me, withering away in that room, he did everything he could to get me out of there.

To the rest of Vlad’s family, I was just a contract killer. Not his wife. I owe Drago my life.

I open up the door and tears stream down my face as I find him sitting up in bed, even with a busted lip, he’s trying to smile.

“Come here, warrior,” he croaks.

Rushing to his bedside, I’m careful as I lean over and hug him.

“I’m so sorry, Drago,” I sob.

He tuts.

“I always knew what I was doing. It was always my risk and my burden. I chose that day to protect you. I’m sorry I didn’t do a better job.”

I pull back and shake my head.

“You did everything you possibly could.”

Drago’s eyes light up as Declan follows in behind me.

“Uncle Drago!” Isabella excitedly squeals.

As Declan drops her to her feet, she stops, and her eyes well up as she studies a beaten and bruised Drago.

I usher her over.

“It’s okay, baby. He’s just a little bit hurt, but still the same man.”

She tiptoes to my side and I pick her up.

“Here's my little superstar. I missed you.” Drago holds out his hand to her, and she takes it.

“Uncle Drago, you should see where I’m living now! A chocolate factory and loads of woods. We will have so much fun there.”

“We will, once I’m fit and healthy again,” Drago confirms.

I frown and look back at Declan, who is now edging closer to the bed.

“Am I missing something?” I look between the two most important men in my life.

My love and my best friend.

Declan strides over to the opposite side of the bed and holds out his hand to Drago, who gives him a firm handshake.

“It’s good to finally shake the hand of the man who protected my girls. A debt I can never repay, but I will try.”

“No debt, Declan. Just look after them.”

“I will. With my life,” Declan replies sincerely.

I clear my throat to get their attention, and they both laugh.

“For the time being Drago, once he’s signed out of here, will be moving into a property on the Decadence estate. It’s no longer safe for him to be in Russia. We are still unsure of the fallout that will follow from Vlad’s death.”

“But I thought Tatiana needed you?”