Page 19 of Hunted By the Masked BRATVA
"So someone tried to poison Emilia," I say carefully.
"Yes. Someone did." Maksim's gaze moves to Emilia. "Any idea who might want you dead, Ms. Markova?"
"Other than Troksoy finishing what he started?" She says it lightly, but there's steel underneath. "I’m a loose end, I suppose."
"Indeed." Maksim stands. "Thank you both for your time. Konstantin, I trust you'll keep me informed if you learn anything useful."
"Always."
We leave the office, and I don't breathe properly until we're back in the elevator.
"That was close," Emilia says quietly.
"Too close." I pull her against my chest. "We need to move faster. The Vasiliev’s aren’t idiots and after they’ve spoken to Troskoy they’ll realise that he didn’t even know you’re still alive, never mind at the Masquerade."
"Then let's drain the rest of the accounts today."
"Can you do it that fast?"
"Watch me."
Emilia
By midnight, I've drained four of Troskoy's seven accounts.
One hundred and forty-three million dollars, redistributed so thoroughly that even the best forensic accountants won't be able to track it.
My eyes are burning from staring at the small laptop screen, my hands are cramping, and I'm running on coffee and sheer determination.
But I'm winning.
"You need to sleep," Konstantin says from behind me.
"I need to finish this."
"Emilia." His hands settle on my shoulders, thumbs digging into the tense muscles. "You're exhausted. If you make a mistake now, it could compromise everything."
He's right. I hate that he's right.
"Fine." I save my work, close the laptop. "But tomorrow, I finish the last three accounts."
"Tomorrow." He pulls me to my feet, and I sway slightly. "Come on. Bed."
I'm too tired to argue.
He guides me to the bedroom, helps me out of his shirt, and tucks me into bed like I'm something precious.
"Stay," I murmur, already half-asleep.
"I'm not going anywhere."
He climbs in beside me, and I curl into his warmth without thinking about it.
This is dangerous, some distant part of my brain whispers. You're getting attached. You're letting him matter. But I'm too tired to care about danger right now.
I fall asleep to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the warmth of his hand in my hair.
I dream about my family.
