Page 109 of The Bratva Stalker's Ruthless Claim
He knows me well enough by now.
If I’ve decided something…I will do it.
Even without him.
Mike drags a hand down his face and exhales heavily. “Damn it, Ellie….”
A few minutes later, we call his brothers back.
Their faces reappear on the screen.
“Well?” Konstantin asks.
Mike glances at me once before answering. “We’re doing it.”
Timofey nods slowly, already shifting into strategy mode. “The feds left their warrant notice when they surrounded the estate the other day. There’s a number on it.” He pauses, thinking it through. “I’ll call them. Tell them to come to the safe house for the extraction.”
The brothers exchange a few final words before ending the call.
The screen goes dark again.
Silence fills the room.
And then, suddenly, Mike is moving.
In two long strides, he’s in front of me.
His hands grip my arms before pulling me into him, his mouth crashing against mine in a kiss that’s fierce, desperate, almost angry.
I gasp softly as he holds me tighter.
When he finally pulls back, his forehead rests against mine.
“I’m never going to forgive myself if anything happens to you,” he murmurs, his voice rough with emotion. His handscradle my face, his eyes searching mine like he’s trying to memorize every detail. “Do you hear me, Ellie?”
“I hear you.”
I wrap my arms around him, holding him just as tightly.
Because for the first time since this war began…we both understand just how much we’re about to risk.
***
Hours later, the sound of engines cuts through the quiet outside the safe house.
Unmarked vehicles.
They roll to a slow stop at the perimeter, dark and official, their presence heavy with finality.
I knew this moment was coming, but now that it’s here, my chest tightens anyway.
Mike stands beside me near the doorway, his hand resting lightly at the small of my back.
Protective.
Reluctant.
Silent.
