Page 66 of Captive

And their weaknesses.

And I’d been tested over and over again until there was never a question in my mind of what was necessary.

Nothing had changed. All the years studying in the University, the near decade spent in America had yet to allow my training to fade. Even more vital were the reasons behind choosing a method of punishment as well as the ramifications of my decision.

Eliminating Dimitri Petrov’s life wouldn’t be without consequences.

However, there was no other choice in my mind.

The man had to die.

Pop! Pop!

CHAPTER 13

Nikolai

“My heart beats faster as you take my hand, my love grows stronger as you touch my soul.”

A.C. Van Cherub

I remembered very little about my mother, but I do remember certain phrases she whispered over me when she’d thought I was asleep. I hadn’t thought about the phrase for years, yet it came to me as I raced toward Chloe, pulling her into my arms. Nothing would have prevented me from saving her from the bastards.

Nothing.

“Nikolai. I thought you were dead,” Chloe whispered as she gulped for air.

“You underestimated me.” I had to get her out of here.

“No, I don’t think so. You’re my hero. Again.” A single sob pushed from her mouth as she pressed her face against my shoulder.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm the fury that continued to flow through my veins. “I’m no one’s hero.” After a few seconds, I eased her away gently, brushing hair out of her eyes. “I’m going to untie you.”

She jerked her head until she could look me in the eyes. “You’re hurt. Oh, my God. What did they do to you?” Exhaling, she gently brushed the tips of her fingers across my cheek.

“I’m okay.” I shifted around her shaking body, hissing as I untied her. I could see marks on her wrists. My little pet had fought valiantly, refusing to give in to the assholes. After I was finished, I took a look around the room. “Do you know where we are?”

Chloe rubbed her wrists as she faced me. “It’s some kind of a cabin much like the one we were in. I don’t think anyone is living here.”

“Are there more of them?”

“I don’t think so, but they shoved a bag over my head. I listened for every sound. We can’t be more than a couple miles from where they found us.”

“Good girl. Anything else?”

“No, they spoke Russian the entire time I heard them talk. I’m sorry. I really only know a few words.”

I gave her a half smile. “It’s okay. You did great. Now, we need to get out of here.”

Sighing, I studied the basement, hissing given what I knew needed to happen. The last thing that I could allow to happen was for my DNA to be found, although where I was going, I wasn’t certain it mattered.

“Weneedto get you to a hospital.”

“There’s no time, Chloe. We’re not in the free and clear yet. There could be others. Come with me.” I took her hand, leading her toward the stairs, lumbering in my actions. “Stay behind me.” I yanked the borrowed weapon into my hands, taking the stairs two at a time and slowly opening the door. Everything was quiet.

Chloe was right. The cabin was obviously used as a vacation-style home. There were even sheets covering some of the furniture.

“I want you to listen to me. Wait right here. If you see or hear anything, call down. I’m just going to grab the weapons. Okay?”