“The hell you are,” she shot back. “I don’t know you. I don’t know enough of who you are and why you thought it’d be okay to stalk me and…” She shook her head, scrambling to express herself. This was precisely why it had seemed wiser to give her time and space. Of course she’d freak at the idea of my being in the Mafia, a member of an organization that ruled with violence and wealth. We were from two different worlds. Standing in her small but tidy apartment, it was even clearer how she’d suffer through culture shock to be a part of my world.
“Sergei, who are you? Who were those men?” She frowned at me in the cramped living room. “Where do you think we’re going?”
“I’ll explain more once we are safe. You’re coming home with me where you’ll be far from anyone hurting you.”
Her mouth hung open. Maisie perked up. “Can I come?”
Natalie blinked, putting her hand on the back of her head. “No. Yes. I mean…” She scowled and shook her head. “We’re not going anywhere, Maisie.”
“You are. If you won’t pack whatever you need for the night, I will.” Moving toward the doors that looked like they’d lead tobedrooms, I proved that I was a man of my word and I always meant what I said.
“Don’t you dare.” She intercepted me, still holding Maisie at her hip. Putting her free hand out, she tried to stop me with a shove at my chest.
I grabbed her hand and held it close. “Be mad all you want, Natalie.”
“I’m not mad. I’m furious! I’m shocked and, dammit, Iammad that you can even think you’ve got any right to barge into my home and my life and tell me that you’re taking me home.”
“Your protests don’t matter,” I replied calmly.
Her jaw dropped again.
“I’d rather face your anger than your death.”
“Mommy!” Maisie hugged her tighter. “Mommy’s dying?”
Shit.I had to watch how I spoke. “No. Not as long as I am around.” I didn’t flinch, meeting the young girl’s scared gaze. “I am bringing your and your mother to my home where you will both be safe.”
“Oh.” Maisie nodded slightly though she still watched me warily.
“No, you are not!” Natalie turned, as if shielding me from Maisie because she was on my side now.
“We don’t have time to argue. Until I can check that my men have the situation under control out there, you both are coming with me.” Not giving her a chance to argue and protest again, I stepped around her and grabbed the first bag-like thing I saw hanging up on a hook. Stopping up here to get some clothes wasn’t even necessary, but I wanted to give George and theothers a chance to eliminate any threats at the building before we were on the move.
“Your men?” Natalie demanded. “Who are you, Sergei? What’s going on?”
“I’m taking you to a safe location,” I repeated.
She snatched the bag out of my hands. “Who are you? Who are those men?”
“I’ll explain later.”
“Mommy,” Maisie said. “I want to go be safe.”
She frowned at her daughter. “Wearesafe here. We’re home.”
“But he’s a good guy,” she reminded her. “Is your home away from those bad guys?” she asked me.
Yes and no?“You will be protected at my home.”
Another gunshot went off outside, as if punctuating the fact that this neighborhood wasn’t as stable and safe as Natalie might have assumed.
“Is your father around?” I asked the girl.
She shook her head. “He’s dead.”
“Is there anyone else here?” I asked, glancing at Natalie.
She still glowered at me, no doubt furious about how I was taking over. “No. It’s just me and her. And thank you for the offer, but we will be fine here.”
