Probably when I was passed out.
And Avit came here willingly? To get me?
Did that mean he cared?
Or was it just an opportunity to get even with Oskar?
When Avit stepped into the room, the hair on my arms raised.
“Mr. Mosav, it takes a mighty foolish man or a mighty brave man to kidnap my wife. I have yet to determine which one you are.”
“Brave? Foolish?” Oskar chuckled, spreading his hands. “Neither. I’m efficient. A man who understands leverage and control. You came, didn't you?”
My eyes flickered between both men as they spoke.
“You misunderstand,” Avit murmured amusedly, as he began circling Oskar, studying him like he was prey. “You think I couldn’t get my wife out of here”—he gazed around the room—“without showing my face?” His blue eyes sparkedlike sapphires, sending a thrill through me. “I didn’t show up because of your threats. I came because I wanted to see the man who was bold enough to sign his own death warrant.”
“And you think you can stroll in and out of here as you please?”
Avit smirked. “I can. And I will.”
Oskar laughed. “I have guards stationed surrounding this property and right outside this room. Neither of you leaves here alive unless I get what I want, sent to the location I'll give you. Now that I have both of you, your bargaining power is gone.”
My shoulders slumped. Did Avit really walk into a trap for me? God! If anything happened to him, I'd never forgive myself.
“And what do you want?” Avit lifted a brow, unbothered by Oskar's threat.
“I see you're finally getting the picture.” Oskar patted Avit on his shoulder. “Since I put a bullet through the skull of my middle man…”
I flinched before I could stop myself.
“…I decided to come straight to the source.”
Avit nodded. “I'm assuming you want the injectable opioids and platelet boosters for free?”
“I see the rumors about your intelligence aren't just hearsay,” Oskar grinned. “I'll take only five thousand vials of each. That should be doable, right? And then I won't bother either of you again.”
“Avit,” I interjected, “are you really going to give Oskar what he wants? Giving in to his demands doesn't mean he'll keep his word and let us go.”
“Mrs. Safin, the men are talking. If we need a recipe, we'll ask for your input.”
“Shut the fuck up, Oskar,” I growled.
A genuine smile lingered on Avit's lips. “Angel, I'll handle this, okay? Trust me.”
I nodded. And a part of me knew I could. I had only ever truly felt safe with Avit. And I had to trust that he knew what he was doing.
Avit turned his attention back to Oskar, his tone hardening. “So, let me get this straight. You kidnapped my wife and lured me here so you can get millions of dollars of medication for free?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmm.” Avit shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “There's a problem with what you're proposing.”
“What? You think this is a proposition, and you have a chance to say no?”
“The problem is,” Avit continued, completely ignoring Oskar’s interruption, “when I strike a deal with someone, I always get something in return.”
“You and your wife will be able to see another day. So you’re welcome.”
