“What do you mean?”
“Bradley’s right. Someone taking shots at us is beyond serious, so when you speak to Kraven, take backup. Your being the Ace won’t protect you if he’s really got it out for us.”
“I will. And you.”
Valentina scoffs softly. “I’ll be fine.”
Rolling my eyes, I abandon my half-drunk beer and wander into the hall to make a few calls. It doesn’t take long for my contacts to pull everything they have on the airline and ensure those files remain lost forever. Once secure, I send a quick text to Valentina so she’s good to go, and then I call Kraven.
“Are you calling me to hand her over?” Kraven asks as soon as he answers my call.
“No,” I reply, walking slowly toward Ivy’s room. “I’m calling because I’m coming to see you.”
“And you’re telling me ahead of time?”
“It’ll be an official visit, Kraven. The Suit is making a call to your residence.”
Kraven is silent for a few long minutes. “How many times must we go over this?” he mutters. “Does it matter at all now I am ending my tirade against Nico?”
“Nico will be visited too,” I assure him. “This is just a courtesy call.”
“So the Ace is finally making a real move.”
“Understand this, Kraven. If I find out you’ve lied to me? I’ll kill you with my own hands. See you tomorrow.” I hang up without giving him a chance to reply, pocket my phone, and slip into my room.
Ivy’s on the bed, wide awake and staring blankly out the window with her knees drawn up to her chest. Her spark has faded, crushed under the weight of her grief, and my heart pulses painfully as I slowly walk toward her.
“Ivy?”
She doesn’t speak. She doesn’t even look at me. Her hair is gathered to one side and caught in one fist atop her knees while she stares out at the night sky. Not even a tear glistens in her eyes and the silence surrounding her is daunting.
I can’t soothe her.
I can’t take her pain away and I hate it.
“Ivy… do you want anything to eat? Or drink, maybe?” Stopping at the side of the bed, I gaze down at her while searching my soul for the right thing to say. Everything sounds too cliche or dumb, unable to provide the depth of comfort she deserves.
After a few long minutes, Ivy blinks slowly and turns her head to face me. Her eyes are a window to the abyss inside her and my heart breaks at how utterly defeated she looks.
“Hand me over,” Ivy says with a strained voice. “I can’t do this anymore. Just hand me over to them and let it all be over.”
30
IVY
“What?”
My words cut through the dark like a blade and my heart stills in my chest. “Hand me over,” I repeat. “It’s easier for everyone. Just hand me over and let all of this be over.” My voice quavers and tears well in the corner of my eyes. I’m so utterly defeated that it’s the only thing that makes sense to me.
My parents are dead.
The Mafia wants me dead.
How much longer until Ruslan and all the people here who have helped me end up facing the same fate?
“No.” Ruslan’s jaw tics slightly as he stares down at me.
“Why not?” I croak. “We both know it would save everyone a whole lot of hassle. You can’t keep protecting me. It’s going to kill you and I-I can’t be responsible for any more?—”
