Page 107 of Betrothed
There were a dozen vehicles in the driveway, a few soldiers guarding the exterior, anticipating a possible all-out war. While that was unlikely at this point, I took some comfort in counting the number of men with weapons. Word had already gotten out about the second attack.
“Are you sure this will be okay?” Vivian asked from beside me. She had a firm hold of my hand as if fearful of letting it go. She’d leaned forward, staring out the back passenger window. “I am considered the enemy. Right?”
“This is fine.” Dimitri looked over his shoulder at me from the front seat as he removed his seatbelt. After the shit had gone down, he could still find a way to grin. “You saved his life. Much to my chagrin.”
“Fuck off,” I hissed, trying to make some light of a terrible situation. Yes, we were in a business that usually meant an early death, but to lose one of our own and in such a ridiculous way grated on all of us. Me more than most. It had been my responsibility to care for the men in my employ. I’d failed.
And the person responsible would suffer.
Thankfully, Dante’s wound had been clean without hitting any major arteries or organs. Once again, the gorgeous doctor had put her skills to good use, remaining calm under duress when I’d been prepared to burn down the entire hospital.
As I glanced at her lovely face, seeing the single bruise under her eye was a constant reminder of the ones I’d put on her neck. My instinct had been to cause harm and not to protect.
That said something about my psyche.
I was a monster, just like she’d accused me of being. As much as I wanted her in my life, how could I protect her when I was comprised of a Jekyll and Hyde personality?
Vivian sensed my discord, narrowing her eyes and asking with her mouth only if I was okay. I squeezed her hand in response.
There’d been no way of keeping the police from making an appearance given the entire hospital had been placed on a lockdown. However, with her help and Dimitri’s, interference had been kept to a minimum. Plus, she’d been able to attend to Dante, so he was able to leave the hospital.
“You should know Kazimir arrived last night.” Dimitri made the statement quietly. He’d waited to drop that news knowing how I might react.
“He shouldn’t be here. That’s what the Ghost truly wants.” That had been an easy conclusion to arrive at.
“Maybe that’s a good thing,” he answered. “Strength in numbers.”
“And his family?” I threw out, gritting my teeth as I did.
Dimitri stiffened. “Do you honestly think he’d go anywhere without them?”
“Fuck.” I rubbed my eyes, sitting back in the seat. I also was unsure what recommendations to provide, although I’d need to figure that out quickly. With Kazimir in the city, he would wantto move immediately. And I had no intention of allowing the Ghost or Vivian’s fucking family to try to snatch her away from me again.
If they’d been responsible. The jury was still out.
“Tell Kazimir I’ll be right there. Make certain Dante has what he needs,” I instructed.
“Absolutely. I’ll give you a minute alone.” Both he and the driver stepped out, leaving Vivian and me alone.
There was even more tension than before, which I could completely understand.
She’d pulled her hand free of mine, wiping her palms on her scrubs. “It’ll be good to get a shower and change clothes. I smell like smoke.”
“Yes, you do. But still beautiful.”
“This isn’t funny.”
“I know that, Vivian. But we will get through this.”
“We.” She didn’t even look in my direction.
“Yes, we will.”
She seemed unable to look at me, so I finally and very gently cupped her chin, turning her head. “You heard it too. Didn’t you?” she asked. “What the asshole said to me?”
“The killer’s voice?” I heard it, the words chosen carefully, loud enough we’d both catch the man’s accent.
“Irish. My uncle lied to me. He ordered them to come take me and to kill you. I asked him for my special request. Why would he do that?”
