Page 90 of Assassin: Part 1

“Damn, I’m more tired than I thought,” Ilya yawns, and I push him to the bed, making him land on it just in time. “Come to bed, lisichka. I want to hold you.” Then he’s out, snoring softly.

I stand there, looking at him for a long time. I take in every inch of him. He’s hard all over, but I wonder how many people actually get to see the softness in his face.

Well, for now. When he realizes I’m gone, I doubt that will stay in place long. I glance up to where I hid the camera in one of the beams in the vaulted ceiling. I’ll have a front row seat to that show while being far away.

Admiring him, I remind myself this is for the best. I have far too many things that need tied up, and he needs time to decide if this is what he wants.

I’m never going to be a Pakhan’s wife who sits home and serves at his side. I take care of the monsters in the dark, and I spend more time in the shadows than out of them.

Sighing, I brush a hand over his hair. He mutters something unintelligible, but he rolls his head more into my touch. “Pet, you’re going to cause me a lot of trouble,” I murmur.

He’s what I want, and the trouble is the least of my problems.

Call it personal growth or whatever bullshit a shrink would label it, but I leave him a note on his pillow along with a present I hid in my bag in the back of his closet. The same place where those bitch’s clothes were left.

He’s going to come after me, try to locate me, and I’m looking forward to seeing him try.

I just hope he knows what finding me is going to mean for us. If he comes after me, I’ll know he’s willing to live with who and what I am. I’m too cynical to believe it’s going to be that simple, but I’ve been surprised before.

37

LANE

Itry not to be annoyed seeing Mishka talking with Rori. I suppose it had to happen, but being around her never puts me in a good mood. I’m glad I don’t have to spend much more time with her. Her man will probably be taking her to Sicily within the next couple of days, and if I’m lucky, that’s where she’ll stay.

Okay, so maybe I’m not as over our little feud as I like to think I am. Damn it, another thing to work on.

I really need to get out of here and kill a few more people. That will help me set myself back to rights.

“Love is a pipe dream in my position, Aurora. And I have no interest or time to worry myself with these things. I’ll leave that to you. Now, go back and soothe your man before he has a coronary,” Mishka orders, a slight smile on his face.

A part of me wants to scoff that he’s forcing that smile. Or maybe it’s genuine, but I can see in his eyes it’s costing him. I don’t think the man has willingly smiled more than a handful of times since I’ve met him. Then again, I guess seeing your ex-wife might do that to you.

Alonzo Cattaneo is staring at the two of them with a scowl on his face. The giant Italian can’t be feeling too comfortable. He doesn’t have shit to worry about, but well, I don’t think all the blood flows to the top when it comes to how he feels about Rori, so no point in saying shit.

Hell, he hasn’t even noticed me, and it’s not like I’m trying to hide.

Rori gives a soft chuckle. “Alright. When are you leaving?”

That’s my cue.

“We’re leaving now.”

Rori whirls to stare at me, and I smirk at the discomfort on her face. Along with the distrust. She narrows her eyes and looks around. “Where’s your man?”

A rush of pleasure streaks down my spine, but I ignore it. After all, it might be a bit presumptive, considering what I’ve done and am about to do. I can’t let her know that.

“He’s asleep.” I give her a smug smile. “He’ll wake up in about twelve hours, but we’ll be long gone by then.”

Mishka rolls his eyes behind her while Rori stares at me. “What the hell? You drugged him?”

“It’s our thing. Trust me, he might be a little pissed when he wakes up, but then he’ll be pleased when he sees what I’ve left him.” Not fucking likely. “The thrill of the chase and all that. I’ve already made it clear he’s mine, and no one else will ever get to have him.” I give her a lethal smile, feeling very protective and possessive.

Damn it, is this how women feel with their men? Or am I just being a crazy bitch again?

Either way, I don’t give a damn.

Rori shares a pointed look with Mishka, who wisely says nothing, shrugs, and comes to stand with me. Guess I don’t have to worry about him trying to stay behind.