The guards move closer, and I don't miss how Gabe's eyes widen.
"Adrian and I are married. As of last night, I'm Mrs. Nero."
I don't know what I expect, but it's not for Gabe to start laughing.
"What the fuck is so funny?" I snap. I'd been expecting questions, a lecture, more anger. Not for my brother to think my predicament is hilarious. "The last forty-eight hours have been a fucking nightmare, Gabriel."
Gabe doesn't stop laughing. In fact, he's leaning back, hands in prayer position.
"Don't you see?" he whispers. "All our problems are solved. You're his wife. How the fuck did you pull that off?"
My eyes narrow. "Are you listening to me?" I snap. "Adrian Nero is my husband. Do you know what that means?"
"It means he'll listen?—"
"He doesn't listen to me." I'm screeching at this point. I'm so loud and angry, I'm surprised Leo hasn't rushed in. "He owns me." The words taste bitter because they are true. "Just like he owns you now."
He sobers up immediately. "Sera, come on—" He gives me a small smile. "You managed to get him to marry you. You can convince him?—"
"I can't help you, Gabe." I step back. "I'm sorry. But I can't."
"Then I'm dead." His voice is hollow. "You know that, right? Either the Morozovs will kill me for failing, or the Neros will kill me for betraying them. I'm dead either way."
I swallow thickly because I know that he's right. I simply don't know what else to do. Because Adrian won't let him go, and if he does, his enemies will take Gabe out.
"Maybe you should have thought of that before you started playing both sides."
I'm so fucking annoyed at him, I want him to suffer. Not permanently, but he doesn't need to know that. I don't think Adrian will listen, but maybe we can make a trade.
"Sera—"
Whatever he was going to say is cut off by the sound of breaking glass.
Then gunshots.
So many gunshots.
One of the guards is hit and blood sprays across the room.
Leo moves instantly, grabbing my arm and pulling me down behind the couch.
"Stay down," he orders.
More gunshots. Closer now. Someone is screaming. Is it Gabe?
"What's happening?" I cry, my ears ringing.
"We're under attack." Leo's already on his phone. "Adrian, we have a situation. Safe house three is compromised." A pause. "Yes, she's with me. No, she's fine. For now."
He hangs up.
The door bursts open. One of Adrian's guards stumbles in, blood pouring from his shoulder.
"They're in the building," he says. "At least six of them. Maybe more."
"Morozovs?" Leo asks.
"No idea. Couldn't get a good look."
