Page 80 of Sexting my Bratva Daddies

The fire in my veins slowed enough for rational thought, and that allowed me to promise myself that I would end him.

Anton turned and walked backward down the steps, dragging Peyton with him.

She stumbled a couple of times and almost fell. Anton’s hold on her arm kept her upright, and the rapid rise and fall of her chest gave away her panic.

“If you do not let her go, then it’s all over.” Leo’s warning rang out clear and strong.

Anton sneered. “You have let yourself fall prey to weakness, my boy. It would do you well if I did kill her. Perhaps then you would remember who you are.” Anton reached the last step.

I prowled forward, closing the distance between us. “Keep going, old man. You have about five more steps before I put a bullet in you if you do not release her.”

Surprise flickered, then slipped into his snide grin. “Ah, Mikhail. You surprise me. When Elena told me of your activities with Peyton, I supposed that perhaps only Leo had fallen.” He clicked his tongue. “Such a shame.”

I’ll show you shame.

The thought came at the exact moment Anton shoved Peyton toward me.

Tremors shook her body, turning her limp in my arms. I held her upright, one arm around her waist and the other hand holding the back of her head.

I tucked her into my arms, though it was likely the last place she wanted to be. “You’re okay. It will be okay.”

She buried her head in my chest, her hands curling beneath her chin.

Anton and his men slipped into the night and faded into the shadows.

30

PEYTON

The bath was Leo’s idea. He didn’t ask. He just started the water while Viktor knelt to take off my shoes. I didn’t even know whose room I was in.

They’d promised they wouldn’t go into my room without permission, and they held that promise even now.

I had so much to say but no ability to say it. Horrors filled my head, along with questions.

Once Viktor finished with my socks and shoes, he lifted my dress over my head.

Misha was there the instant Viktor stepped back, and even though my soul ached with the truth of who he was, my heart longed for him as he cupped my face between his rough hands.

“You’re safe.” His voice broke. “You’re here. You are safe.”

He said it like I needed the double reassurance. It was the first time he’d spoken to me since we left the warehouse. I wanted to reassure him that I was fine.

But then I’d be lying.

I nodded instead, speech still outside my realm of abilities. My hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

Viktor held them between both of his, squeezing my fingers as I trembled.

I focused on that, on the way they took care of me, instead of what had happened in the parking garage.

Instead of the sight of Anton Pravchenko’s cold satisfaction or Elena’s dead, lifeless eyes.

Leo turned off the faucet. “Come on. It’s ready.”

They helped me into the bath like I might break at any second.

I might. I felt fragile.