feet into his chest. As he reeled backward, crashing onto the floor, I gave the beam another hard yank. The cracking sound was exactly what I wanted to hear.
As the wood splintered in half, dropping me to the floor, only Dimitri guarded my sweet Chloe. What a freaking coward. The others came at me with metal pipes. The fuckers still wanted me alive to see her tortured.
I yanked on the chains that were still wrapped around my wrists, dragging them apart by several inches. When the first fucker swung his weapon, I kicked out then wrapped the chain around his neck. With a simple twist of my wrists, his body went limp.
Then I went after the others, until only Dimitri remained standing. After tossing the chain, I grabbed one of the guns, reeling toward the other side of the room.
Chloe snarled, attacking Dimitri, managing to punch him in the face. The moment my fingers wrapped around the gun, the bastard lunged toward her. Within seconds, the fucker had her in a choke hold, his weapon pointed at her head.
Her breathing was labored, her eyes now shimmering with tears. She clung to Dimitri’s arm, her entire body shaking.
I stood to my full height, ignoring the pain. When I took two steps toward him, Dimitri made tsking sounds.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Sacha. My guess is that her life is far more important than yours.”
“You are going to let her go,” I hissed as I inched even closer, the weapon held in both hands.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” He pulled Chloe closer, licking the side of her face. But all I wanted to concentrate on was the look in her eyes. “Be prepared to meet your maker, Federov. Just like your father did and just like what will happen to your brother.”
I’d spent years training to become a soldier, the warrior my father had promised he’d turn me into. He’d provided all the necessary opportunities, allowing the brutal staged battles to provide me with a full understanding of consequences if I wasn’t successful. I’d enjoyed becoming a master in several martial arts, even taking a course in fencing. I’d also relished weapons training, receiving top honors in my class.
But the most valuable training of all had been provided by Maxim Federov himself, his tutelage allowing me to fully understand our enemies, including their capabilities.
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