Page 91 of Marked By the Mob

“What is it?” Eduard asks.

“The shooter was positioned in a building across from the park. Professional setup, high-powered rifle. They were gone before our people could reach the location.”

“Professional,” Artur repeats. “Not some random attack.”

“No.” I meet Emma’s eyes. “Someone hired a sniper to kill you.”

The words hang in the air between us, heavy with implication. This wasn’t Volkov making a move. This was calculated and deliberate. Someone wants Emma dead badly enough to hire professional help.

Emma’s face goes pale, but her voice stays steady. “Langford.”

The name hits me like a punch. “You think your mentor ordered a hit on you?”

“The evidence points to him.” Emma’s hands curl into fists against her thighs. “He’s the mole. He’s been protecting the auction network. And now that I’m getting too close to the truth, he wants me eliminated.”

Eduard moves closer, his hand finding Emma’s uninjured shoulder. “If that’s true, you’re not safe anywhere outside this estate.”

“I know.” Emma’s voice is tight with fury and something that might be grief.

I watch her process the betrayal, see the pain flash across her face before she buries it beneath determination. She trusted Langford like family, and he sold her out. Tried to have her killed.

The rage I felt earlier returns, sharper and more focused. Langford thinks he can take Emma from us? He thinks he can order a hit and walk away clean?

He’s about to learn exactly how wrong he is.

But first, I need to deal with the realization that’s been building since the moment I saw Emma fall.

I love her.

The truth hits me with the force of that bullet, undeniable and terrifying. I love this stubborn, brave, infuriating woman who walked into our lives in chains and refused to break. I love the way she challenges us, the way she fights for what she believes in, and the way she looks at me like I’m more than just a criminal.

I glance at Eduard and Artur and see the same realization reflected in their faces. We all love her. And we almost lost her today.

The decision forms before I fully think it through. Emma deserves a choice. She deserves to decide her own future, not have it dictated by men who bought her at an auction.

“Emma,” I say quietly, drawing her attention. “I need to tell you something.”

She looks at me, her gray-green eyes wary. “What?”

I take a breath, knowing this could change everything. “Staying with us will be your choice. If you want to leave, we won’t stop you.”

38

EMMA

The silence that follows Rurik’s offer stretches between us like a taut wire. I stare at him, my heart hammering against my ribs as his words echo in my mind.

The choice is yours.

Something shifts in my chest, warm and terrifying. My breath catches, and I can’t seem to pull enough air into my lungs. The three of them watch me with varying expressions. Rurik’s pale blue eyes are steady and patient, like he’s prepared to wait however long it takes for my answer. Eduard’s gray gaze is softer, almost hopeful. Artur leans against the doorframe, his dark eyes unreadable for once, the usual cocky grin nowhere to be found.

They’re giving me a choice. After everything, after buying me at an auction and keeping me here, they’re actually letting me decide whether to stay or go.

I try to speak, but my throat feels tight, like there’s a lump stuck there that won’t budge. I swallow hard and manage a nodinstead. It’s all I can give them right now. “I’ll stay.” My voice is barely above a whisper.

Rurik’s expression doesn’t change, but something flickers in his eyes. Relief, maybe. Or satisfaction. Eduard’s shoulders relax slightly, and Artur’s lips curve into the barest hint of a smile.

“Good,” Rurik says quietly. “Take your time. We’re not going anywhere.”