A baby means I can’t just think about myself and Mikhail anymore.
It means I have to consider the life we’d be bringing into this world of blood and vengeance.
A commotion downstairs pulls me from my thoughts.
I hear raised voices, footsteps running.
My heart leaps into my throat as I grab the gun Mikhail insisted I keep on the nightstand and move toward the door.
Tony’s voice cuts through the chaos. “Where’s Sophia? I need to talk to her.”
I rush down the hallway, relief flooding through me at the sound of his voice.
He’s been recovering in the guest room, barely strong enough to sit up, let alone walk.
Seeing him on his feet, even if he’s leaning heavily on the wall, makes my eyes burn with tears.
“Tony.” I holster the gun in the back of my jeans and move to support him. “You shouldn’t be up. You need to rest.”
“No time.” His face is pale, his green eyes urgent. “I remembered something. About Lorenzo’s plan.”
Mikhail appears from his study, suddenly alert. “What plan?”
Tony looks between us, his expression grim. “When I was with Lorenzo, before everything went to hell, I overheard him talking to one of his men. He said the final phase was about to begin. That he was going to destroy everything you care about, starting with Sophia.”
Ice floods my veins. “What do you mean, starting with me?”
“He has someone on the inside. Someone close to you.” Tony’s grip on my arm tightens. “They’re going to make it look like an accident, but Lorenzo wants you dead, Sophia. He wants Mikhail to watch you die.”
Mikhail’s face goes white, then red with rage. “Who? Who’s the traitor?”
“I don’t know. He never said the name.” Tony sways, and I help him to a nearby chair. “But it’s happening soon. Maybe days. Maybe hours.”
The room spins around me. Someone in this house, someone we trust, is working for Lorenzo. Planning to kill me. And Mikhail, consumed by his need for revenge, might not be able to stop it.
“We need to leave.” Mikhail’s voice is sharp, commanding. “Now. Pack only what you need. We’ll go to the safe house in?—”
“You’re right.” The words feel like ash in my mouth, but I force them out. “We should go. Get somewhere secure until we figure out who the traitor is.”
Mikhail’s eyes narrow slightly, surprised by my compliance. “You’re agreeing with me?”
“You want me safe. I get it.” I wrap my arms around myself, trying to look smaller, more frightened than I feel. It’s not hard. The fear is real, even if my intentions aren’t what he thinks. “When do we leave?”
“Tomorrow morning, first light.” He exchanges a glance with Tony. “I’ll have the safe house prepared tonight. Elena will pack your things.”
“No.” The word comes out too fast, and I see both men tense. “I mean, I’d rather do it myself. I need to feel like I have some control over something, you know?”
Tony’s eyes search my face, suspicious. “Sophia?—”
“I’m tired.” I cut him off, already moving toward the hallway. “I just need to rest. We can talk logistics in the morning.”
“Sophia, wait.” Mikhail catches my wrist, his grip gentle despite the urgency in his voice. “I know this is hard. But I promise you, I’ll keep you safe. Both of you.” His eyes drop briefly to Tony then back to me.
The concern in his voice almost breaks me. Almost makes me change my mind.
But then I remember the hollow look in his eyes, the way he’s been disappearing into his rage, and I steel myself.
“I know you will.” I squeeze his hand, then pull away. “I trust you.”
