Page 78 of Tainted Empire
Alexei laughs, a cold, hollow sound. “She’s an important part of the plot, don’t you see! Besides, it’s too late for negotiations, Mikhail. I’ve come too far to back down now.”
I can see Gabriette trying to loosen her bindings, her movements subtle. Good girl. I’ll keep him focused on me.
“So, this is it, then? You’re going to throw away everything for revenge?” I challenge him, trying to buy time.
Alexei’s gaze hardens. “It’s more than revenge, Mikhail. It’s about settling old scores, about justice for my family. You took my last family from me just as we started becoming close, and now, I’m going to take everything from you.”
I nod slowly, feigning resignation while internally calculating my next move. “Alright, Alexei. You’ve got us,” I say, holding up my hands as he moves closer to me. “What now?”
As he opens his mouth to respond, I lunge forward with my cane, using it as a weapon. It’s a desperate move, but it’s all I have. The element of surprise works in my favor, and I manage to knock the gun from his hand.
Despite my injuries from the crash, I push myself, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate need to protect what’s mine. But Alexei is relentless, using my injuries to his advantage, targeting my weaknesses with a cold, calculated precision.
We both get to our feet, both weapons laying out of reach as we circle each other.
“You’re slowing down, Mikhail,” Alexei taunts, lunging forward and landing a punch to my already bruised ribs. “How does it feel, knowing your empire is about to crumble?”
I grit my teeth against the pain, trying to counter his attacks. “You’ll never get your fucking hands on my empire, Alexei. I’ll kill you first.”
He laughs at this and shakes his head. We continue to grapple, our movements a blur of fists and fury. Every blow I land on Alexei is driven by a mix of pain and anger. He’s strong, but I refuse to let him win.
This is my home, my family, and I’ll die before I let him take it from me.
“You know, Mikhail, once you’re out of the way, taking Gabriette will be easy,” he sneers, a malicious glint in his eyes. “She’s your weakness, always has been. I wonder how she’ll look on my arm instead of yours.”
Every word out of his mouth fuels my anger. I counter his attacks with a ferocity born of desperation and rage. “You lay a finger on her, and I swear, Alexei, I’ll fucking end you.”
His laugh is chilling, devoid of any warmth. “Big words for a man who can barely stand. Once you’re out of the picture, your precious Bratva, your queen... they’ll all be mine.”
Rage courses through me at his words. “Over my dead body, you traitorous fuck.”
His laugh is cold and devoid of any humor. “That’s the plan, Mikhail. I wonder how Gabriette’s pussy will taste after I lay claim to it. Trust me, she’ll only be screaming out my name from now on. Your queen will have a new king.”
I strike back harder, ignoring the searing pain that shoots through my body. “Gabriette is stronger than you think. She’s no one’s to claim, especially not by a backstabbing piece of shit like you.”
As we fight, I’m acutely aware of my limitations. My body screams in protest, my injuries a constant reminder of my vulnerability. But I can’t give in, not now. Not when everything is at stake.
Our struggle reaches a fever pitch, neither of us willing to back down. It’s a battle of wills, a clash of betrayal and loyalty. He manages to get me on my back and straddles me, landing a punch to the side of my head that dazes me.
“Your fucking empire is mine, Baranov,” he sneers as my vision starts to dim with another blow to my head. This is fucking it, I can’t get up… I can’t fucking move.
I don’t even know if Gabriette got loose, and now I’m about to fucking die at the hands of this traitorous fuck.
But just when it seems like Alexei might gain the upper hand, the gunshot rings out, ending the fight in an instant.
Alexei staggers back, a look of shock on his face, as a bullet hits him square in the chest. He crumples to the ground, motionless.
I stumble to my feet and turn around to see who fired the shot and there, standing with a gun in his hand, is Viktor, bloodied and barely able to keep himself upright. His gun is still smoking in his hand, and as our eyes meet, he gives a weak nod before collapsing to the floor.
“Gabriette, call an ambulance!” I shout, as I hobble over to Viktor. “One of ours, quickly!”
She scrambles to her feet, rushing upstairs to make the call. I kneel beside Viktor, assessing his injuries. He’s bleeding heavily, his breaths shallow and labored.
“Hold on, Viktor,” I urged him, pressing my hands against his wounds in an attempt to slow the bleeding.
Viktor manages a weak smile. “Had to... save your asses,” he rasps out, his voice barely a whisper.
I can’t help but let out a bitter chuckle. “You always were a stubborn son of a bitch, Viktor. Don’t you dare give up on us now.”