Page 13 of Sinful Betrayal

I crack my knuckles.

Looks like I’ve got myself a good old-fashioned brawl.

“I don’t think she’s interested, boys.” I walk out of the shadows.

My presence takes the watchdog by surprise.

Taking the opportunity, I lunge for him.

I grab the guy by the hair, pulling his head back and slamming it in the brick wall. He’s knocked out cold, and I toss his body aside.

Nina cries out as the second guy pulls her in front of him like a shield, pressing the knife harder against her neck.

“One move, and she’s dead,” he growls.

He bares his teeth at me as he yanks on Nina’s hair, and she lets out a terrified whimper.

“Funny.” I smirk. “I was just going to say the same about you.”

I lunge, grabbing hold of the wrist attached to the knife, before slamming my right elbow into his chin.

His hold on the knife loosens as he grunts, and I quickly pull it free and toss it aside.

“Move,” I order Nina.

She darts out of the way, cowering in the shadows as I narrowly miss a hit to the cheek.

I grab hold of his shoulders and send my knee straight into his gut, knocking the wind out of him.

He doubles over, and I quickly take his head in my hands and send it slamming to the ground.

I straddle him, my thighs on either side of his torso, and take his head in my hands once more, grunting as I slam it into the ground.

Blood starts to pool around his head, and I take that as my cue to stop.

Panting, I climb to my feet and stare down at the unconscious man at my feet.

I doubt the blows will be enough to kill either one of these men, but right now my priority is getting Nina the hell out of here.

I need to get a message to Reid to let him know of the two men who were no doubt keeping tabs on the women that were coming in and out of the bar. What I don’t understand is why they targeted Nina specifically. Did they have eyes inside the bar? Did they see me getting close to her and decided to send me a message?

If that’s the case, I can’t help but feel that Igor Ivanov is behind this.

The thought has bile rising in my throat.

I should have been more careful.

I take the opportunity to snap pictures of the two men. Even though I’m almost certain that they work for Igor, it’s always best to be cautious. The Koslovs have many enemies, which means we can’t afford to jump to conclusions. If I’m wrong andI send my men into Igor’s den without reason, it will be a fate worse than death.

“Are you ok?” I crouch low in front of her.

She’s shaking, and her eyes are wide as she looks over at the two men lying unconscious on the ground.

“Nina,” I press.

“I-I’m ok.” She looks back at me.

Her sweater is torn, but she seems otherwise unharmed.