Page 52 of The Russian's Bought Bride

They know…or at least they know enough. Somehow, my identity got back to them, and they’re hoping to use it against me.

Maybe it was through surveillance, or an associate that might’ve recognized me somehow, but either way, it doesn’t matter now.

If Malenkov knows who I am, then Danielle becomes a target all over again, and that’s the last thing I’m willing to accept.

My hand tightens around the phone hard enough for my knuckles to protest. “Have they made direct contact?”

“No.”

“Any moves toward the house?”

“Not yet.”

Yet.

I don’t even like leaving that possibility open.

Glancing back toward the bedroom door instinctively, I picture Dani still asleep inside, probably unaware that the danger surrounding her has just renewed all over again.

“Keep monitoring,” I say coldly. “I want eyes on every known associate, every building, and every shipment. If Malenkov’s rebuilding operations in our territory, I want to know before he assumes he’s safe.”

“You thinking retaliation?”

“I’m thinking if he’s stupid enough to test boundaries, then he’ll win himself stupid prizes.”

Ruslan exhales slowly. “This must be about the girl, then.”

“Most likely.”

Maybe that isn’t the entire reason, but it’ll be enough.

Malenkov lost product, money, and surely leverage. If he does know who interfered, then he’ll want to send a message, just like they always do.

Over my dead body.

“You want extra security at the house?” Ruslan asks.

“Yes,” I answer without question. “Arrange it quietly. I don’t want unnecessary movement.”

“Done and done.”

Rubbing a hand over my jaw, my mind already moving ahead, fluttering between plans, contingencies, and inevitable damage control.

Everything just became more complicated all over again.

“Get some sleep while you can,” Ruslan says finally, earning himself a humorless huff from me.

“Unlikely.”

After ending the call, I stay in the hallway for another minute and stare into nothing while tension coils tighter beneath my skin.

Then I look back toward the bedroom again, toward Dani, and I know that regardless of whatever this is between us, orwhatever she’s becoming to me, no part of me is prepared to let her fall into their hands.

Chapter 16 - Dani

Tangled up in dark sheets that smell like Nikolai was not on my list of ways I expected to wake up this morning, and yet, it became my reality anyway.

For a few disoriented seconds, I don’t remember where I am while my body feels warm and heavy with sleep, and the faint ache in my muscles is pleasantly unfamiliar.