Page 91 of Darkest Deeds
Niko
My keys arein my hand and I’m halfway out the door to the airport when Mik grabs my arm. “What if it is a trap, comrade? Do you trust her enough to walk into it blindly?”
“Did we not hear the same message?” I glance down at my arm to where his fingers are still pressing into my skin. “And unless you want those shot off, I suggest letting go.”
Mik swallows whatever sharp reply is on the tip of his tongue, and drops his hand. “Yes, but this is also the same woman who escaped from me twice, the last time almost cracking my skull.” He points to his still bloody hair, his eyes flashing.
“You’ll live.” A soft murmur from across the room distracts me, and I shift my eyes to the couch where my mother is curled up and sleeping peacefully. “She saved my mother, Mik. I owe her.”
Sighing, he steps out of my way and nods. “For your sake, I hope you are right.”
Before I can change my mind, I tear out of the driveway, ignoring stop signs and stop lights until I’m on the Turnpike. Pressing the pedal to the floor, I weave in and out of traffic like I’m in a video game.
Scenarios run through my head of what kind of trouble she could’ve gotten herself into so fast. She left Sergei’s on foot with no money or ID.
Shit, did she hitchhike and someone kidnapped her?
No, that’s stupid. No kidnapper would let her use a phone. I should know that.
The only reason she’d ask me to meet her at the airport is if she’s planning on making one hell of a quick getaway. Sergei does have a private jet. She’d have to find someone to fly them, because while I have a lot of skills, piloting isn’t one of them.
All I know is I won’t let her down. When Ava needed me most, I refused to believe her, and now she’s suffering the consequences. I wasn’t lying to her when I told her I loved her. If I get the chance to tell her again, I’ll never let her forget it.
As I exit off the Turnpike, my phone rings again.
Unknown.
I answer before the second ring even hits. “Ava?”
“Niko, we need to have a chat.”
Fuck, I don’t have time for this. “I’m a little busy right now. Can it wait?”
“No. I received an interesting phone call today. I have to say, I was surprised, but intrigued. Normally, I wouldn’t entertain such nonsense, but I was made an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
An offer he couldn’t refuse? What is this, The Godfather?
“What the hell are you talking about?” My response is probably out of line, but I’m not feeling courteous at the moment.
Luckily, he doesn’t seem to give a shit about anything I have to say.
“Pay close attention, Gaheris. What I’m about to tell you, I will only say once. Do exactly as I say, the way I say it. After I’m finished, don’t call me back. You’re on your own.”
“Okay…” I draw the word out, unsure of what’s coming next.
“Oh, and, Niko?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t fuck up.”