Page 47 of Deadly Devotion
She nodded, but I could see the fear in her eyes. “I just... I didn’t expect to see him here.”
I reached across the table and took her hands in mine. “We’ll get Vic and make him pay.”
She looked up at me, her eyes filled with determination. “I know. I trust you, Aleksandr.”
I felt a flicker of hope for the first time in a long while. We finished our breakfast in relative silence, the gravity of the situation hanging over us. When we left the café, Dimitri and my vor fell into step behind us, their presence a reminder of the constant danger surrounding us.
As we drove back to the mansion, I couldn’t help but think about the events that had brought us to this point: the betrayal, the violence, the loss of Mikhail. It all seemed like a nightmare, but it was our reality. And now we had a chance to set things right.
When we arrived at the mansion, I escorted Talia to her room. She needed to rest, for her sake and the baby’s. I kissed her forehead gently.
“Get some sleep,” I whispered.
She nodded, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. “Be careful, Aleksandr.”
“I will,” I promised, watching as she lay down and closed her eyes.
I found Dimitri waiting for me in the hallway. “Is everything okay,brat,“ he asked.
Feeling a surge of adrenaline, I nodded. “It’s time to end this.”
Vic will learn that betrayal comes with a heavy price. And I will ensure that Talia is safe and Mikhail’s death is avenged, once and for all.
Chapter 30
Talia
That evening, after a long day of trying to keep my thoughts and emotions at bay, I decided to call Sandy. The familiar routine of our conversations had always been a source of comfort, an anchor in the chaotic sea that my life had become. I needed her steadying presence now more than ever, especially after everything that had happened.
I picked up my phone and dialed her number. The line rang a few times before she answered, her voice comforting as always. “Sis, how is everything? Are you okay?”
“Yes, but…” I began, hesitating for a moment before letting the words spill out in a rush. “Aleksandr took me to breakfast at a nearby café, and this guy Tommy showed up.”
There was a brief pause on the other end, and then Sandy’s concern came through loud and clear. “Tommy? Who is he, and why was he there?” she demanded.
“Tommy is in the Italian mafia. The same family that Vic is associated with.” I paused, sucking in a deep breath.
“What?!” Sandy screamed. “Why the hell was he there? And where was Aleksandr?”
“It’s okay, sis,” I assured her. “Please, calm down.”
Sandy took a few deep breaths. “Fine,” she hissed through her teeth. “I’m calm. Tell me what happened.”
“Tommy is Vic’s superior. I told him what I saw and heard the night Vic killed Mikhail. Tommy gave Aleksandr his blessing to deal with Vic any way he sees fit.”
“Does that mean what it sounds like?”
“Yes, exactly what it sounds like. Aleksandr swore he’d take care of Vic, and then we’ll be safe, sis. We won’t have to go to San Francisco.” I smiled softly at the thought of being able to see Sandy again. I desperately needed one of her sisterly hugs.
“Let’s hope he gets to Vic sooner than later. I’m ready for us to go back home and get back to our lives.” Sandy released a slow breath. “I’ve been keeping my eyes open at the club, but there hasn’t been any sign of him so far.”
“Who is guarding you now?” I asked out of sheer curiosity.
“Ivan was with me earlier, then Boris, and now Dimitri.”
If I wasn’t mistaken, I could hear Sandy smile when she said Dimitri’s name. “Dimitri, huh? Why does it sound like you’re smiling?”
“What…um…I’m not, cut it out!” Sandy giggled. “He’s nice, that’s all.”