Page 104 of Wicked Savage

“Can we talk somewhere else?” I ask in barely a whisper, trying not to look down at the severed body parts.

Konstantin nods, leading me away from the gruesome sight. The air feels colder, heavier as we move further from the chaos.

“So, what’s in the box?” He glances at it casually.

I swallow hard, pushing down the panic that threatens to rise in my throat. “Black roses. From Roman.”

Konstantin chuckles darkly. “Your brother doesn’t learn, does he? Always daddy’s little bulldog. But he's nothing more than a yapping chihuahua. Woof, woof.”

“I’m scared, Konstantin.” The words barely escape my lips. “They know where I live now. They’ll come for me.”

He halts in his tracks, his expression softening just enough for me to see a flicker of concern.

“I understand your fear.” He steps closer, his tone calm and reassuring. “But my men will protect you. They know what happens to them and their families if they don’t. They’ve seen it. No one will set foot on this property. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Even with his words, the storm inside me won’t settle. The terror still claws at my chest, suffocating and relentless.

“If you want to stay with me for now, you can. Whatever you need.”

I hesitate. It’s tempting—so tempting. But I don’t want to run. I don’t want them to know how afraid I truly am.

“May I think about it?”

“Of course.” Konstantin reaches for the box, taking it from me. “I’ll keep this for now.”

I nod, happy to be rid of it.

“I’m going to see Gregory and Tatiana,” I tell him.

“Good. But you’re always welcome here. I still have your room, just like you left it.”

A small grin tugs at my lips. “Thank you.”

“I’ll see you in a few hours. I still have the pigs to feed.”

I nod and turn away from him, my heart heavy with dread. I don’t know how to forget the note, the black roses, or the sickening threat they carry.

They haven’t stopped thinking about me, and now I can’t stop thinking about them.

And I know for certain, this is just the beginning.

CHAPTER26

DINARA

FOUR MONTHS LATER

I thoughtI saw Cillian today. Or at least I felt him. The familiar scent of his cologne hit me as a man brushed past, then disappeared as quickly as it came—like a shadow, slipping through my fingers.

I’m losing it. I must be. My mind’s spiraling into this maddening obsession. Seeing him everywhere, even when he’s not there. I’m sure I’m just imagining things.

He hasn’t reached out. Hasn’t even bothered to text. He’s moved on, yet I can’t.

With a heavy sigh, I step outside dressed for the night, instinctively glancing over my shoulder, just as I always do. My father and brother are still out there, and every day they remain free only feeds my fear.

Alisa and Natalia wait in the limo, their quiet presence grounding me. The moment I slide in, Pavel shuts the door behind me.

“Hey, guys.”

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