Page 42 of Fall into Savagery

Like he was genuinely happy to see me, even if it was for a brief moment and only to say hi.

Roberto came up to Francisco first and said something to him that I didn’t hear before both men turned to me.

“Hi,tesoro. Roberto said you wanted to come down and say hi.”

I felt an inkling of guilt over that. I didn’t just come down to say hi, yet he looked so happy that was the case, I could only smile at him.

Slowly, he held out his hand to me.

I held my breath, but I didn’t move away, even when I felt his hand on top of my head.

I ignored the glimmer in his eyes reflected in the light.

He cleared his throat. “We’re going to get the head of the Vasiliev Bratva, okay? And I hope they will remember it was with my help that you are all reunited. I hope they will remember this and will let you visit me whenever you like. And know this, my home is always open to you.”

I blinked up at him. Why did it sound like he was saying goodbye?

He confirmed it when he said, “I won’t stick around. A plane is already scheduled to take me back to California after this. I know you would like some time with him once he gets home.” Roberto said the same thing, but I didn’t think it meant Francisco was leaving as well. I felt a slight tinge of disappointment at the thought. Francisco continued. “Your … ah, relationship is rather … unusual, yeah?”

I looked down and blushed, quickly glancing at him before looking away.

How would I go about explaining my relationship with three different men?

Francisco let out a small sigh. “I can’t say I understand it. But it’s clear you’re safe with them. However, I want you to understand something. You’re not stuck here. You will always have a home with me.”

I nodded, not knowing how to react to that.

“Good. Why don’t you head back up? It’s not safe down here.”

Right.

I nodded, and slowly, I backed away.

They watched me press the button for the elevator, and I waved at them when the doors opened. I took one step on, and when they turned away, hurriedly got off before the elevator doors closed. I snuck out front to the waiting SUV. Only a driver stood in front, and luck was on my side tonight because he was talking on his phone and smoking a cigarette.

Quietly, I opened the door and got in before pulling it shut behind me. It only made a small click, and I held my breath as I looked over to where the driver stood. It didn’t look like he noticed me.

I moved to the very back, climbing over the seat and into the trunk area.

I leaned back against the wall, and I waited.

About ten minutes passed before the car doors opened again, and Francisco climbed in.

More men came in with him, but I didn’t think Roberto was among the group because no one was talking.

The car was put into drive, and then we were off.

It took almost two hours to get there.

Halfway in, Francisco answered a phone call. I guessed it was either Mikhail or Nikolay speaking to him, because it sounded like they were going over the plan.

I closed my eyes and tried to tune everything and everyone out, focusing my thoughts on Damien.

I was going to see Damien very, very soon.

12

DAMIEN

---