Til Death Do Us Part (Kornilov Bratva Duet #2) - Nicole Fox Page 0,50

saved his life, but I know he has a keen eye himself. Molly and I haven’t given him any reason to doubt our relationship as anything other than legitimate, but I don’t want to give him any reason to be suspicious.

“That’s smart. I’ll arrange a photo shoot. I’ll just make a few calls.”

She lets out a small sigh of relief. “Okay. Great. We can just have them printed at the shop a few blocks over, and I have picture frames in the closet.”

“And I’ll go home, pack up some of my stuff, and bring it over …” I hesitate, still not sure whether I’m going to her place or not. I could easily make the decision, but I don’t want to force myself on her. Not right now. If I want any chance of Molly changing her mind, I know I need to let her control the progression of our relationship. I forced her into the marriage, but I can’t force her into loving me.

“Tonight,” she says.

I’ve stayed at her house for the last two nights, but it still feels like a big deal for Molly to want me to come back. Especially after our conversation this afternoon. I laid my hopes out bare in front of her. Is this her way of accepting them?

I try not to put too much stock into her invitation, but I can’t help it.

“Great. Then, I’ll see you in a little bit.”

“See you soon,” she says softly.

At my house, I pack a suitcase with enough clothes to get me through a week, though that feels a bit too optimistic. Molly and I can’t spend two days together without getting into an existential fight about our relationship. I might be gone as soon as dinner with Seamus and Niamh is over.

Then, I grab everything I need from the bathroom—I already have a toothbrush at Molly’s—and a few pictures from my office of me standing in front of the Kremlin and the Grand Canyon. I leave all of the pictures of Fedor behind. I don’t want to look at them anymore, and I know Molly doesn’t either.

Just as I’m finishing up, my phone rings again. I answer without looking, assuming it is probably Molly calling to check on my progress.

“Viktor. It’s George.” George doesn’t need to announce himself—his voice is deep enough that it’s obvious—but he is too formal for anything less. “I’ve got news.”

“Let’s hear it,” I say, though I hardly mean it. Whatever he has found out, I don’t want to know. Something finally went right. Molly wants me to come over, and I’m excited about it. I don’t feel like being brought down with bad news. Yet, I know this information can’t be delayed.

“I followed Petr again today, but I didn’t lose him this time. I know where he is going.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “He has been going to the apartment of a well-known Mafiosi lieutenant.”

My hand tightens on the phone and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to throw it against the nearest wall.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes,” George says clearly. “He pulled a hat on before exiting his car, but I still recognized him. He was there for almost an hour before leaving. I saw his face as he left.”

Shit, shit, shit.

“Thanks, George.” My hands are shaking, but my voice is even. I’m grateful for that. I don’t want anyone to know exactly how deep this cut goes. “I’ll drop your payment at the diner.”

As soon as I hang up with George, I call Seamus.

“Eager to see me again?” he asks by way of a greeting. “Niamh just told me we’ll be seeing you tomorrow for dinner.”

“Something like that,” I admit, trying to keep my tone light. “I think I might know who told Fedor where to send the assassin.”

“Who?” Seamus asks, all sign of warmth gone from his voice.

“Petr. My consigliere.”

“Shit,” Seamus says, echoing my sentiments from earlier. “I’m sorry, Viktor. What can I do?”

“Kidnap him and take him somewhere isolated. Somewhere I can question him later,” I say. “I would do it, but I don’t know who I can trust.”

It’s a lot to ask for from a new alliance, but considering Petr assisted in nearly ending Seamus’ life, I know he won’t mind helping out. I’m doing this for his benefit as well as my own.

“Done,” he says. “It’s the least I can do considering you saved my life. I’ll take care of it and see you tomorrow.”

I give him a half-hearted greeting and hang up. The