“What does this mean for us?” My voice comes out in a rush.
“It means you’resafe, Avelina.”
“I’m serious, Viktor.”
“So am I. I won’t let him hurt you.” He cups my face. “I have to go deal with some work issues. But I’ll be back in a few hours.”
He kisses my forehead and then leaves.
And I know we’re mostly safe here. And that Viktor will do anything for Sofia. For us.
I just don’t know what it’ll cost him.
I’m curled up on the bed, book in my lap. The door opens, and I lift my gaze. Relief floods me, like it always does when he comes home now. Knowing he’s safe.Knowing he’s where he’s supposed to be.
“You’re still up?”
“I was reading.”
He nods, dropping a duffle bag onto the armchair. He grabs a shower and then comes back into the bedroom. “I have information.”
“Oh?”
Shirtless, he sits down beside me on the bed. My eyes roam theexpanse of his chest, the ink crawling up his arms fully on display. It’s distracting…
“We found out a bit about what Gennady is doing.”
All my previous thoughts vanish. “What?”
He leans forward, elbows on knees. The low lighting casts sharp shadows across his face. “It’s not just backroom deals for his skaters. It’s worse. Business deals. Alliances, probably.” He pauses. “I saw him myself leaving the Viper Club.”
“The Viper Club?”
“It’s owned by the Albanian mob. Their boss is a ruthless son of a bitch who makes men like us look nice.” There’s steel in his voice now. “He’s not someone you meet with unless you’re desperate—or planning something big.”
I chew my lip. “So what does that mean?”
Viktor is silent. For a moment, I don’t think he’ll answer. “We’ll keep digging. And when it’s time, we’ll make our move. We protect what’s ours, Avelina.”
I swallow hard. “Be careful, Viktor. The things he’s connected to…”
He gives a ghost of a smile. One that doesn’t reach his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. You, Sofia, Leon—you’re worth protecting.”
My throat tightens at the warmth in his voice. I just stare at him as his hand caresses my leg beneath the blanket.
He stands. “Before bed, I need to check in with Nikolai. He and Matvey are tracking his movements. We think he’s got a meeting coming up.”
“Can I help?” I don’t even know why I ask. I just don’t want him to do this alone.
“No.” His refusal is immediate. Not harsh, but sharp. “You’re not going anywhere near this.”
“I… Please?”
He’s quiet for a few moments. I watch the muscle in his jaw twitch. “You’ll help me by staying here. I don’t want you in this. That you even think you need?—”
I rise to my knees, reaching for him gently. “You didn’t bring thisinto my life. It followed me, remember? I know you want to keep me sheltered, but it’d make me feel better if I were doing something to help.”
He catches my hand and kisses my palm. Vulnerable. Gentle. He steps closer and cups my face, brushing my cheek like I’m something miraculous. “I’ll be back soon.”
