Page 10 of Inferno

“I’m alive, but I’m not safe here.”

I look down at my bare feet on the mat. Vlad is clever. He doesn’t leave physical marks often. No, those scars are inside.

He’s my tormentor.

And one day, when the time is right, he will suffer.

What I’ve learned so far is that the Kovalyov family is powerful. Especially under Tatiana’s reign. Although, there is another family, the Volkov’s, who seem to cause issues.

Drago is right. On my own, I would not survive. I would be dragged back here, my father would be killed, and my life would be worse than what I have to endure now.

For now, my freedom is in these jobs.

If that was taken away, I would have nothing.

“I know, Drago. But how long? I’ve been here for five years. I can’t do another five.”

His face softens.

“You can because you’re a warrior, Charlotte.”

“One day, you’re going to have to tell me why you want to help me.”

He smirks, holding the bag in place, and nods at me to go.

So I do. I let out a barrage of punches. Quick and sharp.

“Like I said. Lots of pieces in this chess game, Charlotte. Just be thankful I am on your side.”

“Fine. What’s the job then?”

“Italy. A five day trip. We’re tracking a guy, one who doesn’t want to be found.”

Ruffling my hair through my fingers, I straighten my spine.

“So extract and bring to Russia?”

Drago’s eyes go wide and he shakes his head.

“He is not our mark. Do not even let him know you’re there. This is one chess piece we do not fucking touch.”

I groan.

“But that’s my fun. Have I been demoted to tail work?” I frown. I haven’t stepped a foot out of line.

“No. You’ll have your fun. You will stay in the shadows and identify the person he is meeting. And then, that person is the one you take. We have a unit set up. You take him there, you findout what the meet was about and why. Anything you can get on the purpose of their relationship.”

I tap my finger against my lips.

“Still sounds boring, Drago.”

He chuckles and shakes his head.

“Once you have the information. You kill him.”

I smile brightly at him and run my palm along the ink on my forearm. An array of beautiful flowers on branches wrapped around my skin.

His vision follows my hand.

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