“You foolish girl. You really think you can–”
His sentence is cut off by his gurgling. Blood dribbles from his mouth, dancing with the scarlet liquid pooling at the slit in his neck. The shock in his eyes gives way to the void.
The dripping blade falls from my fingers. Thetingof it hitting the ground falls on deaf ears. All I can make out is the buzzing in my head.
Reaching out with shaky hands, I hesitantly run my fingers through the mess. Once I make contact with the sticky, warm liquid, reality comes crashing down.
I stagger back not stopping until I hit the wall. Slumping against it, I meet the floor. There’s only one thing echoing in my mind as I stare at my bloody digits.
It’s done. It’s over. After nearly two decades of battles, the war is over. We won. I’ve slain the devil, and now he’s home in hell.
????, I did it for you. You can rest in peace now.
Chapter 52
Dominic
The drumming of my heart roars in my ears, overpowering my senses. I don’t bother with Cecilia’s breathing exercises; those damn things don’t matter right now. All that matters is finding my wife.
She entered the mansion twenty minutes ago. It’s been too long. We should already be in there. But Pyotr’s been busy ensuring the team freeing the women at the port are under control. Roman and Bash are with them, so I’m not concerned. The Syndicate men will handle it. All I care about is Katerina.
Bloody images of her being overpowered by Viktor or caught after killing him flash through my mind. Each one darker than the previous.
Despite my confidence in my wife’s abilities, so much could go wrong. She’s alone in there. I need to be there. I need to be by her side, keeping her safe.
Pyotr gives me a nod then lets himself in. His men follow behind, walking casually as though they aren’t staging a coup to overthrow their Pakhan.
After an eternity, the melodic ring of a gunshot carries through the air, and I’m inside instantly. My men trail in. Their duty is to take out any men that fight back.
But not me.
My only goal is finding my wife.
I beeline to Viktor’s office. Any man standing between me and my wife goes down. I don’t think before pulling the trigger. Headshot after headshot. I couldn’t give less of a shit about them.
Finally at the wooden doors, I yank them open. Silence fills the room. The still air sends a shiver down my spine.
Looking around, I meet the blank stare of my sworn enemy. His lifeless eyes stare ahead. The horrific scene before me fills me with pride. My wife was able to complete her mission. She’s avenged her mother.
But where is she? If one of these fuckers has her… No mercy will be shown to anyone who touches a hair on her head. Breathing gets difficult as I stress. Where did they take her?
I storm to the door, ready to find my wife, when a soft whimper catches my attention. It comes from behind Viktor’s desk.
Gun in hand, I silently investigate. All thoughts leave my head at the heartbreaking sight before me.
My strong, fierce wife sits in a ball hunched against the wall, her knees to her chest. Her stained hands are wrapped around her legs, getting blood all over her hideous dress. But the part that makes my heart stop is the blank look in her eyes.
She’s staring into the void, not presently here. She hasn’t even registered my presence, and I’m crouched in front of her.
“Tiger, it’s me,” I try softly, but she doesn’t respond. “I’m going to hold you, okay?” Silence meets my words, and I try not to worry.
Wrapping my arms around her, I lift her from her spot and place her in my lap. She struggles against me, but when I whisper in her ear, telling her it’s her husband, she collapses into me.
I hold her tightly to my chest, stroking her back while cradling her head in the crook of my shoulder. When she starts shaking, I worry she’s gone into hysterics and is laughing. Then I realize she’s crying.
My heart cinches. I had my doubts about her killing Viktor. It’s been her life’s mission, I know this. But patricide, even if you despise him, can be destructive. Killing your abuser has to be distressing.
I whisper encouragements in her ear. I tell her how strong and brave she is. That she’s not alone, and I’m right here. That I’ll never leave her. I tell her how proud I am of her. And I assure her that the fight is over. She’s free.
