“I understand,” he said evenly, “but I’m sure my brother has told you about liabilities.”
“Leave.” I wish my voice were stronger as I issue the command.
“I will,” he says, “when I’m done.”
“No,” I grind out, looking around for something to defend myself.
Where are Ben’s men?
Dread fills my veins again, because this isn’t right. He shouldn’t have been able to walk in here without someone seeing him.
He just came in through the front door.
“Looking for someone?” he asks, trying to sound curious but mocking me.
“No,” I reply, “I just need you to leave.”
“I will,” he concedes, “but you have to die first.”
He raises the gun, and my breath ceases. The world around me stills, and my knees threaten to buckle under the weight of the bullet waiting for me.
“I promise a clean shot,” Nikolai emits. “I’ll do the rest later.”
“The rest?”
“Pictures. To send to Benedikt. Your lifeless body, beautifully splayed on the floor with crimson blood crowning your head. A trophy. You’ll look perfect.”
I’m going to puke.
“Please,” I whisper.
He laughs. “Please what? Please make it easy for me? Please beg?” He moves closer until he’s a step away, and his odor fills my nostrils. “Look at you. All brave until the gun comes out.”
“You don’t have to do this,” I manage.
My skin prickles like static. My mind scrambles for a plan that isn’t more screaming and pleading.
I flinch as he raises the barrel, pointing it at my forehead.
“Don’t worry,” he mutters. “It won’t hurt long.”
A single shot cracks the air, and my eyes squeeze shut. I don’t realize I’m screaming until the sound rips from my throat. I touch my stomach, waiting for my body to collapse, but it never does.
Instead, I hear a metallic clatter and a growl of rage in front of me.
I crack open my eyes to see Nikolai clutching his right hand, and Artem stepping out from the shadow of the storeroom, his face painted with business-as-usual calm.
“You okay?” he asks me, but it’s not for show. He actually cares if I’m standing.
“I’m fin?—”
“You think shootingmewill fix this?” Nikolai forces out, glowering at Artem. “You’re dead in thirty seconds.”
“By whom?” Artem inquires. “I’m hoping you’re not referring to the six men outside we’ve already killed.”
Nikolai staggers back. “Good thing I have backup.”
“Can’t wait to meet ’em.”
