Page 69

Instead, I simply ask, “When do we leave?”

They all look back at me, and I hold their stares. A few of them look away, their fear of me deeply gratifying. Probably because I’ve snuck into their rooms a few times to remind them what they created and that they are not safe unless I deem them so.

“We fly out in twenty-four hours. We land, take control of Belov’s men, and then we head to Washington within twenty-four hours. We don’t want to give Romanov any ideas that we’re coming.”

I snort and grin. He rounds on me, his face reddening. I might be pushing it a little bit, but I’ve done it before. “You’re slipping, Pasha. They are very aware that you’re coming. In fact, part of the reason I was late was because of a very interesting report. It seems your daughter has been found out, and Ilya Romanov has recruited her to his side. With the full intention of killing you and both Belovs.”

That bomb lands and settles. There is no shock, but the tension rises. Pasha’s eyes narrow. “And how do you know this?”

Here comes the next part of my plan, and I have it ready to land so easily.

“Because I’m the one who went and picked her up to take her there, of course.” My smile is lethal and sharp. “Kill two birds with one stone and all that.”

“You little bitch,” Taras, one of the lower men of the group, hisses, getting to his feet, gun out. “You dare to… Ughhhh.” He stares at me, eyes wide, as my dagger sinks cleanly and deeply into his throat. Blood bubbles, dripping as he slowly sinks to his knees. Not leaving my position against the wall, I lower my hand.

No one moves; they just watch me. I look at Pasha. “Another slip, Pasha. Letting a traitor sit at your table. I found funds transfers and conversations with one of the Feds who have been sniffing around, trying to find you. In fact, he’s due to meet his contact in about twenty-four hours. Just about the same time you should be leaving to head to the United States.” The air chills, everyone turning murderous stares at the now dying man on the floor. “I’ve already taken the liberty of handling that agent as well and deleting all files. You’re welcome.”

“And how did you find this out?” Pasha demands.

“The mission you sent me on was insulting. Child’s play. Which leads me to believe you think I’m slipping myself. You are lucky I’m an understanding woman, of course.” I move forward, holding his gaze until I step beside Taras’s still body. “Just like I know it was you who sent me to get your daughter and bring her back by giving the idea to Timur Belov, who in turn made sure to say something to his idiot son. The same son who is now trying to work with Ilya Romanov. Two birds, one stone. No loose ends, yes?” I crouch down and pull the dagger from Taras’s neck, wiping it clean on his shirt.

Pasha hums softly. “Perhaps I have forgotten how clever your mind works, Tatiana.”

I hate that fucking name, but I tilt my head. “I won’t hold it against you this time. And it’s exactly why you’re going to send me ahead of the others tomorrow to ensure everything is ready in Washington.”

“I am,” he agrees. “She’ll be expecting you. Do not kill her, Tatiana. That is not for you.”

I roll my eyes. “If she runs her mouth as she did on the plane, I might not be able to stop myself, but I’ll attempt to refrain. I will say this: she’s still strong, but she’s rusty.” On that, I’m not lying. I have my own issues with Rayea Antonova, but we’ll hash that out in time.

Though, I haven’t ruled out the possibility of killing her.

“A fucking waste is what she is,” he spits, the mention of what was supposed to be his legacy infuriating him. “Timur is a fucking fool for daring to let her walk away. I’ll be righting the wrong I should have years ago.” A loud chorus of agreement comes from his men.

“She’s a disgrace,” Valentin sneers. “Perhaps before you kill her, I can have one more turn with her.” His lips curl into a cruel smile. “A gift for old time’s sake.”

Pasha nods. “Yes, I think she should experience what the punishment for desertion is before her death. A quick death is far too kind.” He gives a pointed look around the room, the threat clear.

When he finally looks back at me, he says, “I want a report in twenty-four hours.”

“Fine. I’ll be leaving as soon as I refresh my supplies. Oh, and one more thing.” I launch my dagger across the room, and it lands into the throat of one of his prized students. The student stares at me before he collapses, blood pouring from his mouth. Everyone slowly turns to look at me. “He’s been advancing toward you for the last couple of minutes. He’s probably had the grand idea he’ll kill you and escape. Or take over. You’re welcome.” I look at the girl beside him. Her eyes are wide, and I can see the fear she’s trying so hard to hide behind her stony expression, but she isn’t able to mask the nervous tic in her temple and the twitching of her fingers. “Hand me the dagger.”

She hesitates, but finally, she yanks it out and holds it out to me as I round the table toward her. The tension rises when doing so puts me behind Pasha, his shoulders going rigid.

How I’d love to start this show now, but I remind myself of the goal. I need to wait. As much as it kills me.

“I’ll be in touch.” Then I walk out, never looking back.

This will be my last time in this place before it’s gone, and I can’t get out of here fast enough. I have information to relay and a few more dominos to topple.

29

LANE

Istare at the message for one more second. Once it’s gone, everything is set in motion, and there is no going back.

I may even end up dead.

A part of me might welcome it, but the larger part is giddy at the reality that I’m about to finally bring this entire system to its knees. Even if it’s only temporary, it’s enough to send shockwaves and remind everyone they are not invincible.