A noise from the next room startles her, and I see recognition in her eyes. “Nilo?” she breathes, a note of desperation in her voice. Her entire demeanor changes, and suddenly, she’s moving, lunging toward the door.
Erik reacts first, blocking her path. “Hold on, wildcat. We’re not here to harm you or your friend.”
“Let me out!” she snaps, aiming a swift kick at Erik’s balls, but he just sidesteps and laughs.
“You lying pieces of shit!” She’s screaming now.
Dimitri takes a step closer. I can tell he is furious by now. “We saved him. And you! He’s safe, and he’s calling out for someone. Is that you?”
She hesitates, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. “You’re lying,” she accuses.
“Why would we lie?” I ask, keeping my voice calm and even. “We’re on the same side here.”
“Same side?” she spits, her voice colored with disbelief. “What side is that?”
“The side that doesn’t want to see you or your friend hurt,” I reply, hoping my sincerity comes through.
She doesn’t respond, just stands there, her body wound tight, and her eyes narrowed. After a moment, she takes a harsh drag of the cigarette, puffing it out in a cloud of disdain. Then, with a nasty flick of her wrist, she throws the cigarette onto the floor as if it’s an annoyance. Her decision is made.
“Alright,” she says, her voice steady. “If you’re telling the truth, you’ll let me see Nilo.”
I glance at Dimitri, who gives a reluctant nod. “Fine. But no funny business. One wrong move, and we’ll take you down.”
Her eyes flash, but she doesn’t argue. “Deal.”
We lead her to the next room, where Nilo is lying on a bed, his eyes wide with shock and relief when he sees her. They embrace, and the tension in the room finally seems to ease.
“Nilo! Are you okay?” Wren’s voice trembles slightly as she examines him, her eyes wide and filled with concern. Her fingers hover over his face, tracing unseen wounds.
“Where are we?” Nilo asks, his voice weak, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar room, clearly disoriented.
“Yeah, where are we?” Wren echoes, her brows furrowing, eyes locking onto mine, demanding an explanation.
“You’re in the Ivankov’s safehouse,” I reply, attempting to sound reassuring. “We’ve rescued you from Aleks.” I pause, watching her reaction closely.
“Ivankov…” she mutters, her eyes widening for just a fraction of a second before she quickly hides her reaction. But it’s too late. I’ve seen it, and I know there’s something more.
“You know something, don’t you?” I press, leaning in closer, my voice a mix of curiosity and challenge.
“Why should I tell you?” she shoots back, her voice defiant, her body tensing, fists clenched.
I lean back, my eyes narrowing as I study her for a moment. She’s not going to make this easy. The mistrust in her eyes is evident. The next words need to be chosen carefully.
“Because,” I say slowly, “we’re not your enemies. I told you we’re on the same side.” I pause for emphasis, letting the words sink in. “And…we…need your help.”
“You…need my help?” She frowns and looks at me suspiciously. Searching for something. Truth, perhaps. Trust, most definitely. Then her gaze shifts to Nilo, and I can see her weighing the risks, the doubts clearly playing across her face.
“Why should I believe you?” she finally asks, her voice softer now but still filled with suspicion.
“Because,” I begin, leaning forward, my voice filled with sincerity, “like I say, we’re on the same side.”
“And which fucking side is that?” she spits, her eyes ablaze with defiance.
I hold her stare, letting the silence stretch tautly before I answer, “Sophia’s side.”
Chapter 14
Sophia
