“When do you think they’ll come?” Mikhail asks.
"We have maybe twelve hours before Bogdan makes his move. Maybe less. If they know the hit wasn’t a success and Ivan is missing, they’re not going to wait around to see what comes next. My uncle is smart. He’ll suspect Ivan is talking. He’s going to try and finish the job before I can get to him.”
“Tonight?” Alexei asks.
“If I was them, that would be my move.”
The tension in the room amps up. It’s not a lot of time to prepare. I would have preferred days, but we have to be ready.
I look around the room. “I need everyone ready to defend this estate like your lives depend on it."
"Because they do," Alexei adds quietly.
"I'm not asking anyone to die for her," I say, making sure each man understands. "I'm telling you I will. Hannah and my daughter—they're my priority. If you're not willing to defend them with everything you have, leave now. No judgment, no consequences."
No one moves.
"Then we prepare for war."
The men disperse to their assignments, leaving me alone with Alexei.
"You should rest," I tell him. “It’s going to be a long night.”
"I'll rest when this is over." He doesn't look up from the weapon. "She's good for you, you know. Hannah. I've never seen you like this."
"Like what?"
"Like you have something to lose." He finally meets my eyes. "It makes you more dangerous, not less."
After the war room clears, I go to find Hannah. She's in the theater room with Mila. I quietly sit down beside Hannah and pull her hand into mine.
I’ve never thought of myself as an affectionate person. I didn’t do touching and feeling and all the emotions.
But with her, I hate when I can’t touch her. I need that connection as much as I need oxygen.
She leans over, her lips brushing against my ear. “All good?”
“Later.”
She squeezes my thigh and returns her attention to the movie.
I sit there, watching a talking dog save some kids. I know I should be out there preparing for war, but I can’t bring myself to leave. If I die tonight, I want to have this moment to carry me into the afterlife.
After the movie, we tuck Mila in and then go to our room.
“Tell me,” Hannah says. “I need to know.”
So I do.
She listens without interrupting, her face growing paler but her eyes staying clear. When I finish, she doesn't panic or cry or demand I send her away.
“Okay,” she nods.
“Hannah, I could get you and Mila out?—”
“I'm staying."
"Hannah—"
