Page 79 of The Bratva's Bounty

Then, it hit.

"BLYAT'!"

Deafening booms popped my eardrums and caused a constant ringing to echo in my head. The place was instantly filled with dust and debris as the building slowly came apart from the seemingly endless explosions.

Was this an earthquake? The whole place shook and trembled like it was caught in one, and maybe the explosion was from some generator going off because of the earthquake.

The inclination of this being an earthquake crumbled away when the ceiling gave in, and flashes of light tore through the place. I felt myself getting winded by the force of the explosions that ended up knocking me over with the chair.

Despite my broken and aching body protesting, I forced myself to worm away behind a slab of metal that had fallen against the wall and made a nice little tent—one I barely managed to fit my fat ass into.

Tucking myself up as much as possible, I silently laid there praying to whoever was in the sky that I'd survive this. This attack couldn't have been from my brothers; they weren't this destructive, nor would they risk my life like this. Nicole did cross my mind for a split second, but the explosives came too close to me, and I doubt she wasthatinsane for gambling with my livelihood like so.

My chest ached from how I struggled and strained to contain my coughs as I breathed in the dusty air around me. If I had an option, then I wouldn't breathe at all because everything fucking hurt like hell. Also, I was pretty sure a few of my ribs were busted up—bad. If I was lucky, then maybe I'd make it out of this without a punctured lung.

Big if.

My internal bleeding would probably get to me before my brothers would.

Letting out a deep breath, I let myself slump fully against the wall. I was so exhausted. The only thing that fueled me this far was my rage against Igor, hope to see my brothers again, a want to see my first nephews, and my hope and dreams to see Nicole again. To be able to hold my empress in my arms, kiss her heavenly lips, feel her soft body, and have a whole life full of wonder and joy with her.

I wish I could say it'd be fine because I would finally be able to see my mother, but there was no way I'd end up in Heaven with the life I have lived.

God, how did I fuck up so badly this time?

If I had paid more attention when we were escaping, I wouldn't be in this mess. I should've noticed the enemy, and I would've if I hadn't let my guard down. The enemy wouldn't have been able to sneak up on me and get enough of a hold on me to yank me out of the car if I had been more attentive.

Squeezing my stinging eyes shut, I let the stray tears escape down my face. No one was around to see me cry, so screw it. Besides, maybe it was the dust and not my emotions. Also, if this was it, then who the hell cares?

I'm so sorry for being a little shithead, Kolya. Sorry, I couldn't have done more, Stepan. Arseny, fuck you, for one, but I hope Mia knocks some sense into you and you two find your peace. Alexei, you fucking psychopath, I don't know what to say to you besides I hope you find your heart again.

I shouldn't be so pessimistic, but it really did feel like this was it for me. So, might as well say what I needed and not leave with any regrets or unspoken things.

Exhaling slowly, I struggled to lift my heavy eyelids every time I blinked. A nap really sounded good right about now, though.

…Just a few seconds won't hurt…

I love you, Nicole… Maybe I'll dream of you.

I couldn't fight the darkness anymore. My eyes refused to open with my last blink, and the bog of slumber swallowed my mind.

Endless peace beckoned me away from the fading world around me, but a faint voice made me turn my head.

"… Want… Body… For…" The distant and muffled voice sounded familiar, but who was it? "… Lev…!"

Nikolai… He didn't sound angry at me, so I wasn't in trouble… Right?

A sharp screech made me scrunch my face up as it felt like a knife into my ear. "Here!" Not Nikolai… Stepan?

There was a lot of shuffling in my direction before I felt an immense amount of pain shoot through my body, making me wince. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to get my eyes to open. Well, at least I could peep them, even if it was just a crack, and for less than a second.

"Shit!" A sharp sting landed on my cheek, followed by one of the twin's hissing. "Damn it, Lev, don't go to sleep." My brain rattled in my head from someone shaking it. "Wake up, stay with us," my younger brother pleaded—I still didn't know which one.

Nikolai threatened me with a pleading playfulness, "Lev, I swear, if you don't stay with us, and we end up dragging your dead body out of this damn place, I will tell themeverythingthat's supposedto be a secret between us." The hope in his voice, hope for me to snap back at him, cracked at his voice. It was almost as if he was begging me to open my eyes and glare at him.

I mean, I would if I could, but it felt like someone stitched my eyes shut after supergluing them.

"Lev, come on, don't do this to us." It was Stepan this time. "Don't you dare fucking die on us." I could hear his emotions cracking through as well. "This isn't some damn blaze of glory, so you can't fucking die on us."