Page 46 of Caged

“Is there jealousy in there?” I ask quietly.

Pink floods up Melissa’s cheeks. “Of course not. I was just curious. Is she helping look for Knox?”

My stomach twists. “No. She stays out of the danger zone.”

But, Melissa was in it.

Even if it means she may leave, I want to get rid of Knox just so she can feel a little safer.

All of us, nestled in on this couch, will sleep better at night knowing he’s gone.

I don’t like the fact that it may mean that she goes too.

Is it wrong that it makes me want to drag my feet to find him? That I’m getting used to her company and how easily she fits in here?

It means that more of our men can be hurt or killed.

And that she always has to be careful when she’s out that Knox, or one of his men, will see her and take her back.

She might not survive that again.

And this gut feeling tells me, I’m not quite ready to let her go. Why? I don’t have a clue.

This isn’t me.

SEVENTEEN

MILA

I’m getting so sick of pretending to cry to avoid answering his questions.

But, he did solidify my thoughts that he is Ivan’s son.

The whole fucking family is here.

Yet, Ivan sent me here to kill Nikolai, and maybe even the others?

What the hell is that about?

“I feel like I walked into the middle of some sort of feud. This is full-fledged Greek tragedy shit here.” I’m pacing as I hiss into the phone at Tyler.

“It doesn’t matter, Mila. Ivan has Daniil. The important thing is to get the diamonds and get the hell out.” Tyler’s voice has an edge to it.

“What’s wrong?” My chest feels tight.

There’s an uncomfortably long pause. “Kirill gave me another picture.”

“What?”

“I said, he gave me?—”

“I fucking heard you. What did he cut off?” My hand trembles so I tuck it between my crossed legs.

The coffee shop has a secluded open air section I can sit in while I wait for the drinks. I’m glad no one is close enough in case I get sick.

“Toes,” he blurts.

“Tyler.” I squeeze my eyes shut and press my knuckles against the bridge of my nose. “Why was that plural?”