to crawl in the presence of so much scum.
“You seem in a rush.”
“I have a life to start,” I reply coldly, heading toward one of the containers that’s ram-packed with weapons that’ll likely see Nox all right for some years, as well as shoot him up the ladder of power and wealth. I pull the keys from my pocket but pause from inserting it into the lock when I hear Nox call me. “What?” I ask.
“You’re really giving up your empire for a woman?” I look at the metal doors of the container, nodding as he goes on. “I mean, Rose is out of this world, I admit. No one knows that more than me.” I can’t see him, but the satisfaction in his words must be all over his face. Which is why I won’t look. I won’t be able to hold myself back from murdering the sadistic prick. “I taught her everything she knows. I hope you’re reaping the benefits of my lessons.”
Don’t kill him. Do not kill him. “Don’t ever speak her name ever again. That’s also part of the deal.” I slip the key into the lock and turn it. “Good luck in your new business, Dimitri.” I pull the door open fast, swinging it around to meet the side of the container and putting myself behind it, out of sight.
And out of the firing line.
When I hear the first shot, I smile.
The container jolts against my back from all the boots hitting the floor, all running forward and showing themselves. Then it’s like a fucking firework display as machine guns ring out and the sound of a missile sailing through the air whistles loudly. I hear the panic. I hear Nox roaring at his men to run for cover. And then I hear the explosion. I close my eyes and relax against the metal of the container, like I could be listening to an opera with a cigar and brandy in my hand. My only regret in this moment is that I didn’t get to see Nox’s face when he found the Russians in the container instead of his guns.
“More,” a man shouts, a Russian man, undoubtedly indicating the track where more of Nox’s men are appearing, coming to investigate the bedlam. More shots. More explosions.
I pull my phone from my pocket and type out a text to Rose.
* * *
I’m taking a break from the office.
Let’s get married next week.
I hate you.
Chapter 28
ROSE
* * *
The soles of my feet are sore from all the pacing. Upstairs, downstairs, into the kitchen, his office. My circling only got worse when I found Brad and Ringo. Danny went alone. Brad, like me, is furious. But he refused to tell me where Danny’s gone or what he’s doing. Seeing Nox, yes, but alone? Ringo had to pry my clawed fingers from the front of Brad’s shirt when I lost my temper, demanding he tell me. He didn’t.
Now, I’m staring down at a text message from Danny, and though it should make my pulse race with excitement, my heart has taken on a nervous thrum. Something doesn’t feel right. My thumb finds its way to my mouth, and I chew my nail like a starved animal, thinking. Thinking. Thinking. I watch from the top of the stairs as Brad and Ringo cross the hallway, both quiet, heading for the kitchen.
I move quickly but quietly on light feet, down the stairs to Danny’s office. As soon as I enter, I go to his desk and start tugging drawers open, rummaging through the contents. There has to be something. A man like Danny Black, he must keep a . . .
My thoughts trail off as my hand rests on something cold and hard, and my breath tugs in my throat as I pull it from beneath some papers. I stare down at the gun. It’s heavy, feels alien, but I have no time to waste getting used to it. I march to the kitchen and enter, disengaging the safety. The sound silences the room, pulling Brad, Ringo, and Esther to face me. Brad’s face will be one I’ll never forget—somewhere between shock and disgust. “What are you doing?”
“Take your guns from your belts and put them on the floor.” I aim at Brad’s chest, my serious eyes on his face. “Do it.”
“You’re going to shoot me?” He laughs.
“If I have to.”
“Rose, don’t be—”
I aim above his head and fire, shutting him the hell up, before re-aiming at his chest. His stare