Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98697 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I can only react. I move quickly into the corner and squat down out of sight. As I glance around for my escape route, something catches my attention.
Hiding under the bed, trembling in fear, is a little kid. Now I understand why Aleksandr didn’t put up a fight. I caught him off guard. The Krupins are known for trafficking, another reason why I think Ian should have cut his losses.
The kid’s little blue eyes are locked on mine. I lift my gun to my lips to tell them to remain silent. I don’t kill kids.
It’s one of the rules. Kids are a hard no. Knowing I need to move this out of the kid’s sight, not wanting them to witness any more than they already have, I quietly move toward the door.
Moving back into the other room, I make sure I can’t be seen. I’m outnumbered and it’s clear I’m going to have to shoot my way out. I tug at my bulletproof vest and smooth a hand over my belly. I need to get out of here and back to my baby.
I inhale and stay low as I run for the cart I left behind. Halfway there, I drop down to my knees and slide. I grab the rifle from beneath the cart and roll to my feet. In the next breath, I air the place out then grab my bag from the cart and take off for the door.
Once in the hall, I go to run to my right to head for the elevators. However, I spot more of Aleksandr’s men heading in my direction. I turn and dash for the other corridor to race down the stairs.
When the door closes behind me, I snatch off the wig I’m wearing. Then I pull out the trench coat from my bag to toss on over the uniform I’m wearing and to conceal my rifle. Shouting comes from above as I race to the ground level.
I push a bit harder and make it to the exit. As I push through to the lobby, I take a calming breath. Calm as a cucumber, I walk through the lobby as if nothing is happening. I tug a hat from my pocket and pull it onto my head as I get outside.
“You can do this, love. One more block,” I whisper to myself.
I keep moving, heading for the coffee shop I pinned for my getaway. The tension begins to ease as it comes up on my right. I jog across the street and push through the doors.
“Ach, excuse me. I’m sorry, love. Are ya all right?”
I look up into a pair of green-gray eyes, and my breath is taken away. He gives me a huge smile. I fall speechless and want to kick myself.
My baby’s father did the same thing to me. I don’t know what’s going on with me. I’ve never been crazy about men like this.
“No, it’s my fault. I’m sorry. Let me buy you another drink,” I say as I snap out of it and look at his coffee-covered sweater.
“It’s fine, but maybe I can buy ya one.” He looks down at his watch. “I have some time. It’s not every day an angel runs right into ya.”
I look around. I need to go to the bathroom where I planned to stow away my things, but sitting with him will work.
“Sure, I just need to head to the ladies.”
“Ach, no problem. I’ll get our drinks and a table. Take yer time.”
“Okay, thank you.”
He gives me a wink, and I head to the restroom. As I’m changing into the clothes I left in the stall here, my phone rings. I wrinkle my brows as the number doesn’t look familiar.
“Hello,” I answer.
“Da, you and Lev have taken something from me. He allowed you to spill our blood. Now I will slaughter you and all you love. I will find you.”
“Good luck with that,” I snap and hang up.
I close my eyes and exhale. Ian isn’t going to like this. I have no doubt that Lev Krupin is dead, and his brother got my number from his phone.
The Russians are definitely out. I knew they would be a problem. However, none of this is my business.
I finish up and head back out to the table where my coffee date is waiting. He looks up from his phone as I walk over. He gives me the most breathtaking smile.
“Please sit. I got ya some gingerbread cookies. The name is Angus.”
“Helen, nice to meet you.”
CHAPTER 2
The Arrangement
McTavish
Fifteen years later …
“Ach, ye don’t listen. I told ya not to bring Jameson with ya. Lad, I need ya to stay right here in the car. Yer uncle and cousin will be with me.”
“Okay, Granda,” Jameson says like the good boy he is.
I turn my attention to the other two. Conor should know better. If I give an order, it’s to be followed.