Page 38 of Inked in Devotion

I marched over to them. “Who among your enemies has the audacity to do this?”

“We’re still figuring it out,” Theo said.

“Is it for ransom?” I asked.

“Or it could be an enemy of the bratva,” Theo said.

“There could be several possibilities.” Kirill faced me. “Your takeover of the NGO has left employees disgruntled and former city officials have lost their kickbacks.”

“Knock it off,” Kolya snapped.

“I’m just stating the facts,” Kirill responded coolly. “Not that getting rid of inefficiencies and corruption are the worst things.”

“You’re one to talk about corruption,” Theo shot back.

Kolya clasped my arm and moved me to the side. “How are you, Chloshka?” His eyes softened with a tenderness that made me feel safe. Why wasn’t I afraid of the bratva’s hit man? His finger slid down my cheek in a gentle caress.

“I’m fine. I’m just…” I inhaled sharply. “I don’t know what to do anymore. The apartment was supposed to be safe. And you can’t tell me I didn’t bring this down on myself instead of simply going away and being a mom to Sebastian. I could have just asked Dom or Theo to give me a new identity and go away. I just wanted⁠—”

“More for yourself,” he finished. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting more.”

“And you, Kolya? Do you want more other than being known as⁠—”

“Kolya the Killer. The bratva’s hit man?”

Sloane approached. “The hospital’s ready for you. Trevor can take you.” Despite checking out okay, with the nature of the attack through the ventilation and the unknown substance, we wanted a doctor to give the all clear.

“I’ll be driving Chloe and our son to the hospital.”

“Kolya…”

“That’s nonnegotiable.”

“You’re not leaving with her,” Theo said.

Sloane raised her brows and glanced around to search for her husband because, like her, I was sensing a throwdown.

“You know what else I’m doing.” Kolya went toe-to-toe with my brother. “I’m taking them home with me.”

Not one to back down, Theo leaned closer. With both men at the same height, barely an inch separated their faces. “I’m Sebastian’s legal guardian.”

“And I’m his father.”

“You haven’t claimed him.”

“I’m claiming him now.”

“Kolya,” I started. “We should talk about this. We can’t simply move in with you…the arbitration.”

“Fuck the arbitration.” He spun on us. All tenderness was gone from his eyes, and in its place, a chilly determination set in. “Someone tried to hurt my son. If I can’t protect him, then who am I? I’m nothing. Can’t you see that? I’ve given you the chance to protect Sebastian, and, no, I’m not blaming you. You’re his mother. You nurture him. I’m his father. Let me protect both of you. It’s not duty, it’s nature. Instinct. Can’t you see that?” he repeated fiercely. “I can’t bury what’s in my nature anymore because of a goddamn piece of paper. So yes, fuck that arbitration.”

“I…”

“That’s the most words I’ve heard him speak in one breath,” Kirill said with amusement. “You better go along with it.”

“That sounds a lot like intimidation,” Theo warned. “Are you ready for sanctions, Zahkarov?”

“Guys,” Sloane interjected. “Park your egos for later. This kid needs to get to the hospital.”