Page 40 of Fall into Savagery

We got it, princess.

Mikhail laughed. “We’re going to get him tonight. And according to Luca, he’s still alive,kotyonok.”

He was still alive.

Oh, God.

My heart pounded fiercely, and I pulled away to look at him. Damien was still alive, and we were going to get him.

He wiped away the tears that had fallen from my eyes, and I did nothing more than look at him, hope blooming in my heart.

He was still alive.

I grabbed Mikhail's shirt and tugged on it.

He looked at me, his head tilted to one side in question.

I pulled on his shirt harder.

An understanding reached his eyes as he shook no. “No,kotyonok. I’m sorry, but you can’t come.”

I pulled on his shirt again, desperate for him to see my side of things. I couldn’t just stay here while they went to rescue Damien. I had to be there with him. I had to see for myself that he was okay.

My eyes begged him to understand.

Please.

Nikolay spoke. “Princess. I’m sorry, okay? But you’re not coming. It’s too dangerous.”

His hand found the wound on my forearms that I had hidden beneath my long-sleeved shirt.

I turned to him.

He hardened his eyes. I slapped his chest.

He didn’t do anything but stand there. I slapped his chest again, and again, and again.

Nikolay finally pulled me into his arms when I tried to do it a fourth time. I struggled to get out of his hold, but he only tightened his grip.

“Shh, I’m sorry, princess. I won’t tie you up again, but you’re not leaving this place, do you understand?” He pulled back and wiped away my tears. “We’re going to bring him back to you, I promise. Okay?”

I bit my lips. What did he want me to say to that?

“We need to coordinate with Gabriel and Francisco. Be good here.”

He kissed me quickly, and then he was out of the door.

I watched him numbly as he disappeared, and Mikhail took his place.

He planted a chaste kiss on my forehead before he followed Nikolay out, and it was just Roberto and me.

I turned to the one man who had been with me my entire life.

“Don’t look at me like that, Catalina. I can’t help you.”

I shook my head, and tears fell down my cheeks.

He came closer to me and cupped my cheeks in his large hands.

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