Page 82 of Emerald

She’s never looked more beautiful than she does in this moment. She’s wearing a deep red gown that shows her long, slender neck, the smooth skin of her shoulders, and the tops of her breasts. Her black curls are wild around her face, trailing down her back. Her eyes are brilliant, full of hope and excitement at the sight of me. She’s smiling—despite everything, she’s smiling. She calls out my name.

I want to run over to her, touch her face, make sure she’s alright. I want to kiss her. But I’ve already made a mistake, letting Remizov see my pleasure and relief at the sight of her. I meant to stay calm and cold.

He’s sitting across the table from Sloane, watching us. He hasn’t gotten up as I enter. He’s wearing a formal jacket, his hair combed back. The table is set as if they’re on a date.

I wanted to take Sloane for dinner tonight. This fucking animal is eating and drinking with her instead. He really does want to take everything from me.

The only thing amiss in this little tableau is the glass toppled over on its side, the wine spilled across the table. Sloane is the furthest thing from clumsy. I scan her once more, to make sure nothing has happened to her yet. I notice that her left wrist is red, with four distinct fingerprints marking the flesh. I feel a spark of rage.

Sloane sees my worry, my anger. She doesn’t care what Remizov thinks. She intends to run over to me at once. But quick as a snake, Remizov reaches across the table and grabs her wrist once more.

“You stay with me,” he hisses.

He pulls her around the table so we’re all standing facing each other on the same side—Remizov with Sloane, and me surrounded by the three goons who have followed me inside, including the one who shoulder-checked me. He’s standing closest of all, practically breathing down my neck.

One of the guards has an automatic rifle slung over his shoulder. The other two wear guns at their hips. None of the weapons are drawn and pointed at me yet, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.

Remizov is standing directly next to Sloane, one hand still gripping her wrist, and the other around her waist. I can see her shudder of revulsion as he puts his arm around her. Remizov doesn’t seem to care. In fact, I’m quite sure he likes it.

“Isn’t she a beauty?” he says softly. “I dressed her this way to remind you what’s at stake, Ivan.”

“No reminder needed,” I say. “You’re not exactly subtle.”

“Let’s proceed, then,” Remizov says, dropping the smile. “Give me the drive.”

“Let Sloane go first,” I say.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Remizov snaps. “You have no leverage. She’s not going anywhere. Hand it over now.”

I had hoped to stall a little longer. Give Dom and Zima time to catch up to me, and hopefully to work a little magic.

Remizov has about as much patience as he has charm, however.

I take the flash drive out of my pocket.

The smirking guard snatches it out of my hand and carries it over to Remizov.

For a single moment his face is alight with satisfaction, but almost as soon as the drive touches his palm, he throws it down in disgust.

“That is not my flash drive,” he says. If I thought his voice was cold before, it’s now turned to pure ice.

“Yes, it is,” I say stupidly.

I hoped he’d at least check on his computer.

Remizov gives a nod to the smirking guard. He takes his gun from his belt and hits me across the back of the head with the barrel.

The pain is instant and blinding. I sink to my knees. The guard hits me again, right across the jaw, this time with his fist.

I go down hard, my head hitting the floor.

I hear Sloane scream. I assume she tried to run over to me, but Remizov kept hold of her. I hear a scuffle and a sharp slap as he hits her across the face.

That’s what keeps me conscious. My rage at the sound of that blow.

I’m back on my feet again, my head throbbing, but my vision swiftly clearing. I can see the mark on Sloane’s cheek where Remizov struck her. I would be barreling across the room toward him if I weren’t being held in place by the two guards gripping my arms.

“Where’s the drive?” Remizov says.

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