Page 81 of Tangled Roses
“It looks that way.”
Arman’s expression is grave, and I’m confused.
“But he’s a hitman. An assassin for want of another name. He was also her, well, customer. He could have done the deed himself. Why involve anyone else?”
I am rambling as my mind attempts to work things out with words and Arman shrugs. “It was obviously the reason he was here, but he wanted it to look like an accident. He must have set up the hit using the man he trusts to keep quiet about his involvement and be back in Russia when it takes place. I’m guessing the purse will be forwarded to him there.”
“So something of interest is in the purse. Is that what you’re saying?”
“I don’t know for sure, which is why Luka made sure to relieve him of it.”
“You have her purse?” For some reason, I’m more excited about the mystery it may reveal than the woman’s demise who was carrying it.
“But won’t the man tell Nikolai’s accomplice that you have the evidence? He may come after you next.”
That worries me more than anything, and Arman shakes his head. “He won’t be speaking to anyone again.”
My blood runs cold as his meaning sinks in and I stare at him in horror as he says huskily, “We are monsters, Ellie. We don’t live by the rules and we stop at nothing to get what we want. You must understand this is the life you signed up for.”
“What if I change my mind? Will you deal with me too?”
I don’t know why I’m asking because I really don’t want to hear the answer and his gaze softens as he grips my fingers in his and whispers, “I will never hurt you, malysh and it’s my job to make sure you never want to leave me.”
“I don’t.” I lean closer and stare him straight in the eye and say fiercely. “If that day ever came, I would welcome death because what’s the point of living if it’s not beside you?”
CHAPTER 50
ARMAN
Ellie is in shock. She is operating, but the news hasn’t really hit her yet. I watch her closely but she’s hiding her emotion well and as we head to my den, I cling onto her hand as if she could fall at any moment.
Luka is waiting with Marsha’s purse, the contents scattered on the desk which signifies all that’s left of the woman that fell holding it.
Ellie gazes silently at the objects and I say coolly, “What have you found?”
Luka says with zero emotion, “Nothing except her wallet with credit cards and some dollars. Make-up, perfume and a notebook. Nothing more.”
Ellie asks, “Then he must have wanted her phone.”
I’m impressed with the way she is dealing with this as she turns her attention to the mystery rather than the outcome, and Luka nods. “I’ve scrolled through it and the contacts list is impressive. It will take some time to download the messages, most of which are probably useless, but we may discover something of interest there.”
He points to a bunch of keys lying on the desk.
“I’m guessing these are to her apartment. It may be useful to search it. Then there are her other properties, computer files, and safe to filter through.”
“I will have access to those.” Ellie says with a hint of excitement.
“If I am her next of kin, the cops wouldn’t think twice if I visited her homes.”
She turns to me and her eyes glitter with excitement. “We may find everything you need there. It may solve this mystery and find your father’s killer.”
I swear my heart is full as I stare at this amazing woman as she puts my needs before hers. It’s all she wants. To help me and despite Luka watching us silently, I pull her into my arms and hold on tight, burying my face against her neck and whispering, “I don’t deserve you, malysh.”
She clings onto me as if she’s afraid to fall and Luka says diplomatically, “I’ll go and arrange the visit to her apartment.”
He leaves us alone and I waste no time in pulling back and kissing her long and hard. Needing the contact. Needing my lips on hers. Needing her.
When I allow air to pass between us, she whispers, “I’m okay, Arman. You don’t need to worry.”