“No,” she whispered.
“Bastian, get someone to move the body and notify Pablo’s family.”
“He saved my life.”
“I know, I’m sorry I wasn’t here.” Matias noticed the blood trickling down her arm. She was covered in scratches where someone had tried to grab her. “Let me see.” He pulled her arm up, inspecting the tiny cut. “We need to get you cleaned up. Bastian, I’m taking her upstairs.”
Matias lifted her off the couch and into his arms. He took the stairs to his room two at a time, careful not to drop her. Matias pushed open his door and shut it behind them. With atenderness she didn’t expect, he set her on his bed.
“Wait here, I’m going to grab a washrag.” Katya watched as he walked across the massive room into what she assumed was the bathroom. He emerged holding a wet cloth and carried it over to her. “Let me see your arm.”
Katya held out her hand toward him, giving him access to the scrape that ran the length of her forearm. She’d gotten it when Pablo pushed her to the floor as the gunshot rang out. He saved her life and took the bullet instead.
“I’m fine.” She pulled her arm from his grasp and set it in her lap.
“No, you’re not.”
“I’m not dead. Pablo…” her voice trailed off, causing it to turn into a whisper. “He had a family, didn’t he?”
“Yes. They’ll be taken care of.”
“That won’t bring him back. This is my fault. If I hadn’t come here, none of this would have happened.”
“Stop.” Matias cupped her cheek. “You aren’t responsible for this mess.”
Katya leaned into his palm and closed her eyes. “What happens now?”
“What do you mean?” He ran his thumb across her jaw.
“Who did this, Matias? Why were they trying to kill me?”
“My guess is Jorge put a hit out on you, but my guys are looking for him as we speak. It would seem he is in bed deeper with your father. In fact.” He stood and stepped back from her. “It would appear Jorge is hiding someone or something on his property.”
“Why would my father be hiding someone on his property?”
“It would appear this spreads beyond Chile. Dmitri has started a war with the Italians, and we believe he has kidnapped one of the Anastasi’s men.”
“As in the Anastasi Syndicate?”
“Yes. If Jorge is holding one of their own on his property, he will have sealed his fate.”
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“I’m going to go downstairs and speak with the others. Stay here and rest. Feel free to use my shower.”
Katya stood. “I can go back to my room.”
“No, stay here. I’d feel better knowing you are up here. I’ll come back for you in a bit and we can talk about what to do next.”
“Ok.” Katya watched as he shut the door, leaving her alone in his room.
His bedroom was twice the size of hers and had an even bigger bathroom. Katya stripped off her clothes and filled the tub. She made use of his offer and soaked in the oversized basin. The water heated her skin as she slipped beneath the surface. Katya closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the edge. She couldn’t stop thinking about the fucked-up mess that was now her life. No longer did she feel like a prisoner here, instead, she felt like she belonged.
Katya was in danger from a lot more than her father or Jorge. She was in danger of losing her heart to the one man she couldn’t have.
“Jorgeisgoingtopay for coming into my home and killing one of our own.” Matias slammed his fist onto the table, shaking the glass in front of him.
“He has several armed men now surrounding his property. They are definitely Dmitri’s people and not locals.”
