Page 95 of Married to the Don (Kornilov Bratva Duet 1)

I want to wrap him up in my arms, but with Fedor’s gun still aimed in my direction, I can’t risk it. I shove Theo behind my legs and take a step back.

The room is tense. Both men are in a stand-off, and I’m not sure if one of them is going to break or if they’re going to shoot at the same time. Can George win this duel or will we once again be at Fedor’s mercy once he lies dead on the floor?

I don’t have to learn the answer to that question because Fedor finally lifts his gun into the air with his other hand. It’s a lazy kind of surrender. A confident surrender, if such a thing is possible.

“Okay, okay,” he says. “I’ll leave … but I’ll be back.”

Goosebumps bloom over my arms, and I grab Theo and haul him onto my hip. He buries his face in my neck and sobs.

“Don’t cry, buddy,” Fedor says softly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he actually cares about Theo. “I’ll be back for you.”

George moves between me and Fedor and gestures with his rifle. “Get out, Fedor.”

He smiles, letting Rio flee the scene first before sauntering out behind him. He lifts one hand in a wave over his shoulder and then slams the door shut.

The moment the door closes, I collapse on shaky legs, press Theo against my chest like he’s a baby, and sob.

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