Igor was only a soldier, so he ran all the special activities for the Brigadier. That meant Igor knew who the Brigadier was. No wonder I never knew he was a soldier. Men would cut his throat for the Brigadier’s identity.
Nicolai takes another shot of vodka.
“You want to tell me how you knew Igor was a soldier?”
Nicolai smiles again, and this time I don’t think I will find out how he knows that valuable bit of information.
“You have leverage.” Nicolai stands and takes the bottle of vodka with him. He slowly places the cap back on it before putting it back on the stand. “So threaten Igor. He will let Evie go when you tell him you know who he is.”
Nicolai was right, and I should take this. But it wasn’t enough. “I don’t just want Evie.”
Nicolai returns to the couch. “Brother.” He tilts his head. “Leave the Torpedo alone. Let sleeping dogs lie.”
I give a half-laugh. “When have I ever let sleeping dogs lie?” I twirl the glass in my hand. “There are six other girls that I want back. Then I will let the dogs get all the fucking sleep they want.”
Nicolai isn’t smiling, and I don’t want to end on a bad note with him.
“If you’re stuck for another groomsman, Pavel looks good in a suit.”
He still doesn’t smile.
“I have to find him,” I say, holding Nicolai’s gaze.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Nicolai finally says.
I stand up, ready to get back to Evie. “I have Nev on the job.”
Nicolai raises both eyebrows. “Impressive. How do you know him?”
“From Camp.” Nicolai knew how I grew up. He knew the training I had. “I better check on Evie.”
Nicolai gets up too. “You want something for your face.”
“It’s not that bad,” I say.
He grins. “Suit yourself. Don’t be a martyr.”
I laugh. “Me, a martyr?”
His grin relaxes me, and I leave him to check on Evie. I don’t expect her to welcome me with open arms, but I also don’t expect to enter an empty room.
She couldn’t have gotten far. I’m ready to turn around when I hear her breathing in the room. I pause like I wasn’t going to leave but close the door.
“I can hear you breathing,” I speak to the door before turning around. She doesn’t respond, and I stay where I am.
“You’re afraid. Your breathing is harsh and fast. Anyone could find you, Evie. You need to slow your heart rate down. You need to relax.” I take a step into the room and pause. She’s to my left. There’s a large white freestanding wardrobe that she must be behind. Her breathing hasn’t slowed down. If anything, I think she’s getting louder.
“I told you in the car you have nothing to fear.”
“You hurt me.” Her words come from behind the wardrobe, just like I guessed.
I shrug out of my black jacket. “You wanted me to.”
She steps out, my words igniting her temper like I knew they would. “I didn’t want you to hurt me.”
“Then you shouldn’t have provoked me.” I start to unbutton my shirt.
“I don’t want you to touch me again.” Her lip trembles. She’s showered and changed into fresh clothes. Her long dark hair is still wet around her shoulders. The navy summer dress is tight on her bust area but flows down her long legs.
She’s really a beauty. I continue unbuttoning my shirt. “I won’t. I never touched you without your permission.” I remind her.
“I know.” It’s the first time her voice has sounded real since I entered the room. Her shoulders relax slightly, but not completely.
The phone in my pocket buzzes, and I take it out.
An address pops up from Nev’s. He’s still typing.
Where the Torpedo is and the man with the tattoos.
This was why he was the best. Nev continues to type. It’s his bank account details.
Wire the money in the next 2 hours, or I’ll alert them you’re coming.
I look up as Evie steps closer. “What are you smiling at?” She’s trying to see the screen of my phone.
“Just a friend making a joke.” I quickly type back. I know you wouldn’t double-cross me.
I switch screens as I walk to the bed and wire the money to his bank from mine.
Try me.
I close the message window. He’ll realize in a few minutes that he has been paid.
“I found the man who has the girls.”
Evie moves around the bed, so she’s standing directly in front of me. I focus on taking off my shoes, so I don’t reach out for her.
“I thought they were with Igor?”
“Me too. But Igor was lying about having the girls.”
Evie moves and sits down beside me. I don’t think she’s aware of what she’s doing since only moments ago she looked at me with fear and disgust.
“So what happens now?”
I remove my other shoe. “Now, I’m going for a shower.” I stand up and take off my shirt. I like the look that sparks in Evie's eyes. I haven’t lost her completely. I wasn’t sure if that’s what I was trying to do last night, brand her or lose her. Her words had taken me to a dark place. I’m looking down at her. Her lids flutter closed, so I can’t see the attraction in her eyes. I kneel down so she can’t avoid my gaze. “Then I’m going to find the girls.”
Hope fills her blue eyes. She swallows a mountain of emotions. “And then?” It’s a fearful whisper, and when I reach up to touch her face, she flinches away, and I let my hand drop.
“Let me find them first.” I rise, and once again, I have the urge to touch her, but I keep good on my word and leave
