Page 31 of Shutter and Sin
The line goes dead.
“Viktor,” I say.
The door opens. “Pakhan.”
“Get the men ready. If anyone points a weapon at my woman, they die.”
“And Dato?”
“I want him alive.”
“What about her? If things go wrong…”
“If Zoya’s not back to me exactly as she was, I’ll unleash Armageddon.”
Chapter 10
Zoya
Ilean my ear against the cold wood of the door, listening to the boots thudding against the floorboards outside. The guards aren’t standing still anymore. They’re moving fast, their voices hushed but frantic. I try to steady my breathing, pressing closer to the grain of the door to hear if they mention Alexei or a location, but I only catch muffled sounds from the hallway.
The wood vibrates against my forehead as a knock comes, sharp and loud.
“Miss Petrov.” One of Dato’s men. “Mr. Janelidze requests your presence downstairs. You have thirty minutes to get dressed.”
My heart pounds against my ribs as I step back, wondering if this is another sick joke or the end.
I don’t answer. I go to the closet, shove a red dress aside, and pull out black trousers and a dark green blouse. My fingers tremble, fumbling with the small buttons, but I force them through the holes.
I’m fixing my hair when the door opens without warning.
Dato leans against the frame, arms crossed, that ever-present smile curving his lips. “You look lovely.” His eyes travel down my body slowly. “Although I would have preferred the red dress. It would have matched your temper.”
“What do you want?”
“Straight to business. I appreciate that about you, Zoya.” He steps into the room, closing the door behind him. “We’re going on a little trip tonight. You and me. To meet an old friend of yours.”
My stomach drops. “Alexei.”
“In the flesh.” Dato’s smile widens. “It seems the beast has finally noticed his pet is missing. He called last night, making cold threats, barely holding his rage together. I found it entertaining.” He moves closer. I hold my ground.
“Listen carefully.” The amusement drains from his voice. “You’ll accompany me. Stay silent. Appear pleasant. Only speak when addressed. And don’t try anything clever.”
“Like what?”
“Running straight to his arms.” His fingers catch my chin hard, locking my gaze to his. “Calling out. Trying anything clever.” He squeezes. “I’ve treated you well. Better than you deserve. Humiliate me tonight in front of Romanov, and that treatment changes.”
I say nothing.
“Do we understand each other?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl.” He releases my chin and steps back, the smile sliding into place again. “Be downstairs in ten minutes. Don’t make me wait.”
After he leaves, I stand in the center of the room, heart pounding, and try to remember how to breathe.
Alexei. I’m going to see Alexei.
