enjoy.”
I raised my eyebrows.
“We’ll take our time.” Kaz threaded his fingers. “I’m sure everyone needs the rest. And then we’ll hit Palermo, Sicily. That’s when the vacation is over. There, I want everyone on the lookout for Pavel.”
David sat in shock as if just realizing why the man had not been there. “Pavel? Why?”
Poor King David had been busy with the brothel and didn’t hear about our new traitor.
I turned to him. “Pavel is behind the dead animals in our bedroom.”
“No.” David shook his head. “I like Pavel.”
“We all like Pavel.” Kaz pulled out my phone, put it on the table, and slipped it to David. The screen was already on the video. David picked the device up and pressed play. Although across from David, Blue leaned over and checked out some of the footage. The whole room filled with the tortured men’s screams and their yelling Pavel’s name.
When the video finished, David pushed the phone to the center of the table. “I can’t believe it.”
Kaz continued, “Emily and I have a meeting in Palermo. During that time, you all search for Pavel. Keep it to just the people in this room.”
Boris frowned. “When we find Pavel—?”
“Don’t kill him.” Kaz raised one finger. “Bring Pavel back to the yacht. I want to talk to him.”
Max spoke, “Do you think Pavel will be in Palermo?”
Kaz shook his head. “Misha had Pavel tracked. Although Pavel hid himself well and was under a fake name and wearing a disguise, it was the two hairstylist that Misha spotted.”
Even when you’re fleeing, you’ve got to look good?
I shook my head.
“Pavel and his hairstylists flew into Rome, Italy and then they got on a train heading south. After that, Misha lost them. There’s only two possibilities—Palermo or Calabria.”
Clouds floated by the window.
Blue raised her hand.
Kaz frowned. “Just ask the damn question.”
“Sorry.” She gave him an uneasy smile. “Can I get the tracking information from Misha? That could help.”
“Yes. I will put you two in touch. It’s time you work under Misha. Be his eyes here and follow his instructions. We’ll need you to implement strong security from all angles around us from now on.”
She beamed.
Max whistled. “If Pavel isn’t in Palermo, Sicily, then we’re off to Calabria?”
“Exactly. We get him and deal with whatever comes our way.”
Max quirked his brows. “What do you mean whatever comes our way?”
“We’ll talk more as the days go on. For now, enjoy your vacation.” Kaz didn’t provide any other information, however, David appeared worried. Clearly, he knew what would be waiting in Sicily and Calabria.
“Once Pavel is dealt with, we can celebrate by going to Rome.” Kaz smiled. “And then we return to Moscow.”
Everyone looked around at each other.
“Get some rest. Enjoy those few days on the yacht and then be ready to kill a lot of people very soon.” Kaz rose.
Everyone else stood, including me. I held Harlem in my arms. Our people left.
Kaz walked over to me. “Thoughts on my plan?”
“We’ve got it.”
“We better.”
“What are you going to do, when we find Pavel?”
“Pavel is not Sasha. I trusted him more. I may not have showed it, but I cared about Pavel. Even more, I thought Pavel was one of the loyal. I’m hurt.” Kaz took Harlem. The puppy opened one eye and then went back to sleep, thoroughly enjoying Kaz’s arms. “I also must admit that I’m discouraged.”
I gave him a weak smile. “Lions don’t get discouraged.”
“They don’t?”
“Not at all. Plus, you have me. I’m your loyalty detector. It will all be fine.”
We left the conference area and walked off to the bedroom. Since Kaz held Harlem, I opened the door. He set Harlem on the edge of the bed and pulled me to him. “You know I’m not going to want you doing too much this time. Not much shooting or fighting. Definitely not any wrangling men to the floor with their ties and stabbing them in the throat.”
“Interesting. I plan to be by your side, so I guess that means you won’t be doing a lot either.”
“Hmmm. That is interesting.” He landed a kiss on my lips, then he deepened it, exploring my mouth with his tongue.
I leaned away. “I’m serious, Kaz. You don’t make any major moves without me.”
“That may not be possible.”
“It will. We’re in control.”
“We are, but. . .” Kaz lowered his hand to my stomach. “Our little one is in control too.”
“True.”
“A doctor will be on the yacht, so you won’t miss any check-ups.”
“Thank you.”
“A lot is going on. But, I have