The second I was sure I had Sara secured on my couch, not able to take a single step without making it known, I had to walk away.
Now standing in front of my bed, I find it looks comically small compared to the one at Luca’s. But I begin to blank out, recalling the faces of the women I’ve spent a minute of time with—each attractive in a luring way, yet none of them were enough to make sacrifices for…
Ever since Jacob’s death, I’ve been set on keeping the sacrifices to myself. Tolivefor myself.
I made a promise to Kristina that I would pay off my debt to the Bratva, and this job here—it’s to be my last. The minute I turn Sara over, I’m free to go.
When I make it back out to the living room, I find the angel is still tied hand and foot, just as suspected. Her eyes are rimmed red, appearing exhausted on my couch.
My mind slips back to our conversation from before, remembering when she questioned her willingness to marry that low-life, Luca.
I’ll admit I didn’t look too far into Sara Carter when starting this job. Just enough to know where she would be or who she’d be with in a day; even areas she tends to frequent. My initial thought of the girl was she held a boring life for someone engaged to one of the richest men around—rich enough to rival Kozlov, while also possessing a strong backing.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d say Kristina is worried. But her face remained calm as ever when she informed me of the mission.
“Come on,” I grunt, pulling Sara by the wrists. It’s a combination of force and ease, but the latter betrays me, as I can tell when Sara’s soft blue eyes flick up in confusion.
She’s so small, I have to kill the temptation to wrap around her back once again. My nostrils flare as I catch that delectable sweet scent in the air, making me wonder how she tastes.
But the unbidden thought is just pissing me off, and I tug Sara toward the door, remembering where she’s meant to be.
“Where are we going?” That edge of fear is back in her voice, but if I’m not mistaken, it’s arrived with a hint of resignation.
I noticed she was unsure of how to explain what her fiancé does, as the girl knows to be scared of both him and where I come from.
She’s innocent—innocent to all of this.
Yet it doesn’t matter.
I have a job to do.
Back at the car, I push Sara down into the passenger seat, securing the hood over her head again. We’re on the outskirts of the city, in a dingy cul-de-sac where no eyes are around. It’s dark out, and the street lamps light up the road as we head toward a horizon of buildings with blocks of light.
“You’re bringing me to her, aren’t you?”
The angel’s question is like a punch to the gut, especially as she asks it in that delicate sweet voice of hers. But keeping a straight head, I clench my teeth, keeping on as I go back to ignoring the girl—it’s only for the best.
* * *
Kristina stands tall by a large window when we walk into her office. She turns as soon as our arrival is announced, smiling flatly at me.
“Excellent job, Jude. As always,” she nods, giving Sara’s weak form—shrouded in the dark hood—a cursory glance. With a wave of her wrist, two men step forward and take the little girl from my hold. My fingers drag across her forearm as she goes, and then just like that, she’sgone.
“You didn’t have to bother with the hood,” Kristina comments, redirecting her gaze back to me.
The words are like another punch to the gut. I know what she really means; what she intends to do with little Sara Carter.
My fists clench, my jaw tightening as I fight to keep hold of my sanity. My boss understands this isn’t the life I was meant to lead, nor the one I’m meant to keep on living. My size and strength make me good at it, but I could have been something—or someone else. If Kristina’s men weren’t the ones to help me revenge my brother’s death, I wouldn’t owe her shit.
“Remind me again how this will solve your issue with Luca?” I question, sure to keep my voice even. “Shouldn’t we pursue that weasel instead? Trying to kill…him?”
And not my angel, I’m itching to get out, but stick to keeping silent. One thing known is Kristina can pinpoint a man’s weakness, and pretty fucking fast. Although, she’s never found mine.
All those years ago, I guess you could say it was Jacob. But now, I have no one.
No one but Sara.
“It’ll throw him off-kilter,” Kristina slyly smiles, “at least for long enough to cause more damage. He’ll understand just how much of a threat wereallyare,” she says, flashing her pearly white teeth while seated proudly behind her desk. I clench my fists again, watching the black dove stretch across my right hand.Hold it together,I remind myself.