Page 17 of Scarlet Promise
I shoot them all dead. One shot each in fast succession, and the gunfire continues.
A creak behind me makes me whirl. There they are, the fuckers. Melor and Simonov.
I dive behind the couch, shooting.
They shoot back.
Simonov darts out the door. Melor comes at me, and I shoot him in the leg.
He screams and turns, limping out the door. I come after them, shooting.
Demyan breaks cover to chase them. “Stay with Alina!”
Fuck. I go back inside and remember the gun I gave her.
“Malyshka, it’s just me.” I push the door open and hurry into the bedroom.
She takes one look at me and then bursts into tears, limping into my arms and hugging me tight.
I stroke a hand through her hair, moving her so we’re to the side, out of the way of any intruder who may dare to come in.
Outside, the gun battle ebbs. Then it ends.
It might not be over. Whoever’s left could be reloading, but Alina’s my concern right now.
Slowly, I raise her face to mine and kiss her softly, a gentle, sweet kiss. When I break away, I find my smile.
“You’re safe, Alina.”
“A-and you’re sure Albert’s safe?”
I laugh. “Unless Sasha’s loved him a little too much and squished him. But he’s a smart dog. He’d hide if he thought there was danger.”
“I was so worried, Ilya. I was an idiot. The man floored me when he mentioned Max. Said you knew who his real killer was, and before the shock wore off, he’d shoved and locked me in the car. And you came. I was just scared they’d hurt you, Ilya. I can’t lose you. I just can’t.”
“You won’t.” This time when I kiss her, the passion blooms.
She kisses me with everything she is, and the heat of her envelops me. Our tongues dance, and all I want to do is?—
“If you’re quite finished,” Demyan suddenly says.
I spring back a little, even as she still clings.
Demyan’s cold eyes fall on me, looking through me, then he turns to Alina, taking her hand and hugging her.
“Angel, I came as soon as I could. Come on. We’re going home.”
“But—”
“Now, Alina. I have your bag and phone.” Demyan touches her face. “We’ll get the doctor in. Come on.”
“Demyan,” I say as he starts to lead Alina past me. “What happened with Simonov and Melor?”
“They got away.” He glares at me. “Catch a ride with my men. I’ll deal with you later.”
I know these men,and they wisely stay quiet for the long ride back to my mansion. Anger and frustration stay with me the entire time, and most of it’s at myself. Most? Fucking all of it.
For being naïve, for letting the situation get so bad.
