Page 18 of Captive Union
I sit back in my living room chair. “Maxim, it’s Erik.”
Silence. Then, “Where is she?”
“Patience, patience, Maxim. That’s something you never learned, which I have an abundance of. Kira is safe and sound, trust me.”
“If you’ve hurt her—”
“Don’t worry. Not a hair on her head has been harmed. And I wanted to prove that to you. So I called because I wanted to set up a meeting. Why don’t we have a face call over the computer? So you can see Kira is unharmed for yourself.”
“Bullshit. You just want to show me that you have her and can do anything to her.”
“That may be true. But Kira misses you and wants to see you and the rest of your family. Would you really deny your sister that comfort?”
Maxim curses. “Fine. Let’s have this damn call. I’m going to find out where you are, Erik, and when I do, death will only be the true mercy I show you. You can count on that.”
“I look forward to it.”
Once we set up the details for a meeting, I bring my computer downstairs to Kira, who’s wearing a light green dress that hugs her body just right.
“You look wonderful.”
Kira glances down at herself, self-consciously rubbing her hands over the sides of her dress.
“I want you to know I make good on my promises.” I set the computer on the lonely little table in the room. I click a button and up pops Maxim’s face.
Kira’s eyes widen. “Maxim.” She rushes to the computer, practically trying to force herself through. “You’re all right.”
His eyes soften. “I’m all right? Kira, are you hurt? Has Erik hurt you?”
She glances at me before shaking her head. “No, not in the way you’re thinking.”
“Then what way, then?” Maxim looks like he wants to punch through this computer screen.
“Nothing, just … I’m a prisoner. But physically, I’m fine.”
He breathes out. “Good. Kira, I promise I’m coming for you. I’m going to find you and save you.”
“Is that Kira?” Elena’s voice sounds out in the distance. Of course, it would be the whole Petrov gang.
Elena and Vasilisa come into view.
“Oh my God,” Elena says. “Kira. Are you ok? I’m so sorry I couldn’t help you. I tried; I really tried.” Then Elena begins to cry. So much for being an ice princess.
Kira shushes her. “No, no. It’s all right. I don’t blame you. Erik held us at gunpoint. None of this is your fault.”
“Elena, cease your crying,” Vasilisa snaps. She looks at Kira. “You need to be brave, darling. Do you understand me? Petrov women are tough. Do not let that man take advantage of you.”
I come to stand right next to Kira, giving the Petrovs a good look at me. “How’s Alexei? After that nasty car crash, I’d imagine he experienced some serious whiplash.”
Maxim growls. “Don’t talk about my brother.”
“Is Alexei ok?” Kira asks.
“He’s fine, darling,” Vasilisa says. “He’s just at home resting.”
“He didn’t get hurt?” Kira looks around at all of her family member’s faces. When they don’t immediately respond, I know why.
“They don’t want to admit if Alexei is hurt,” I say, “in front of me. It would be a show of weakness.”
