Page 97 of Wicked Savage

She hands me her phone, and I open the message, reading it over and over as a wave of dread crashes over me.

Dad

I miss you, Moya Tanushka. Your brother too. I will have you home very soon. I promise. We will be a real family again. You will see.

He’ll have them home soon? What the hell does that mean? Is he planning to take them?

My pulse hammers in my temples. I need to tell Konstantin about this as soon as we’re done here. This is not something I can keep from him, especially if my father’s plans against Konstantin may be escalating.

“I don’t want to go with him.” Tatiana’s words tremble out, and I notice the tears threatening to spill. “I want to stay with Konstantin.”

“I know.” I pull her into a tight hug. “I won’t let him take either one of you. Don’t worry.”

As I hold her, Gregory’s voice pulls me back to reality.

“Is Papa bad?” he asks, his innocent eyes searching mine.

I freeze. What do I even say to him?

I try to answer the best way I can. “He’s done bad things, buddy. That’s why we don’t live with him.”

Gregory nods seriously. “Was Mama bad too?”

My face contorts in disbelief, and I take his small hand in mine, squeezing it gently. “No, of course not. Mama was the best.”

“I don’t remember her.” His face cracks with sadness, and it shatters me.

“I’m sorry, bud.” I pull him close. “But I want you to know she loved you so much. Every second of every day.”

He wraps his arms around me. “I don’t want to go with Papa either.”

The words break my heart. He shouldn’t have to be burdened with any of this. He’s just too little.

“I’ll never let that happen. You and Tatiana will always be with me, even if I’m not always right there with you.” I tilt his chin up. “Understand?”

He nods, his dark eyes softening.

“Good. Now, who’s ready for the movie?” I try to lighten the mood.

“Me!” Gregory exclaims, his excitement returning as we pull into the theater parking lot.

As we step out of the SUV, I glance around, my eyes scanning the lot. I can’t shake the feeling that my father and brother might be lurking somewhere, waiting for their chance to strike.

* * *

After dropping Tatiana and Gregory off, I make my way to Konstantin’s study, where Ludmilla said he’d be.

I knock, and his invitation comes through, sharp and clear.

“Come in.”

Taking a steadying breath, I turn the doorknob and walk inside. Konstantin isn’t alone; he’s there with his three brothers.

“How are you, Din?” Kirill asks, his face taut, his fists cracking in a way that only hints at his anger. He hasn’t been thrilled about how much Cillian hurt me.

“I’m fine.” I flash a smile, hoping it masks the unease inside me.

I know him well enough to know he’s looking for any excuse to go after Cillian for ending things with me.

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