“Elena?”
“Collateral damage. Or maybe the primary target. Either way, losing you both would destabilize everything.”
I stare at the evidence. Years of trust revealed as methodical deception. A man I considered loyal—one of my best—rotting the organization from within.
The betrayal cuts deeper than it should. I should be used to this. Should expect treachery as standard operating procedure.
Sergei bled beside me. Stood guard at my back during negotiations. Helped protect Elena after the abduction.
All while planning to destroy us.
“We don’t cancel the meeting,” I say.
Viktor’s eyes widen. “Sir—”
“We don’t cancel. We let him make his move. But we’re ready for it.”
“That’s incredibly risky—”
“It’s the only way to draw out any other infiltrators. If we move on Sergei now, we might miss co-conspirators. If we let the plan unfold under controlled conditions, we identify everyone involved.” I lean back. “Double security without Sergei’s knowledge. Route changes he isn’t informed about. Backup that arrives on our timeline, not his.”
“And Mrs. Sharov?”
“Doesn’t attend. She’ll be secured off-site under guard we’ve personally vetted.” I make the decision quickly, knowing Elena will hate it. “I won’t use her as bait.”
“Understood.”
***
Convincing Elena to stay away from the alliance meeting is harder than expected.
“You’re sidelining me,” she says flatly when I explain. “After two weeks of involving me, you’re suddenly deciding I’m too fragile for important meetings?”
“I’m deciding you’re too valuable to risk.”
“That’s the same thing.”
“It’s not.” I pull her close, hands settling on her waist. “There’s a credible security threat. Until it’s neutralized, you stay somewhere safe.”
“A security threat you’re not elaborating on.”
“The fewer people who know the details, the better.”
Her eyes narrow. “You’re using yourself as bait.”
I don’t deny it. “If I am, that’s my decision.”
“Don’t I get a say? I’m part of this organization now. You said so yourself.”
“You’re also pregnant with my child. That supersedes operational involvement.”
“Don’t.” She shoves at my chest. “Don’t use the pregnancy as an excuse to shut me out when things get dangerous. That’s exactly what you said you wouldn’t do.”
She’s right. I know she’s right. The thought of her anywhere near Sergei’s planned attack makes my blood run cold.
“I need you safe,” I say quietly. “I can’t function if I’m worried about you getting caught in crossfire. So please. This once. Let me protect you by keeping you away.”
Something in my tone makes her pause. She studies my face, reading the fear I’m not quite hiding.
