AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“From what the grunts say, that would put me in the ‘trusted inner circle.’” He does exaggerated air quotes, and his affected tone pokes fun at having received such an honor.
“A big step up for a new member,” I observe.
“Yeah. But it also means we’ll have a harder time communicating. It’s not like I can catch a cab for a clandestine meet-up at the last minute.”
“Not like it’s been easy to begin with,” I point out. “Give me a bit more of a heads up, and I can come to you. Pyotr’s estate isn’t too far from Mikhail’s.”
Sascha nods, his gaze casting around to ensure no one’s coming. “I’m not sure when the move might happen, but I’ll keep you in the loop.”
Grasping Sascha’s shoulder, I give him a strong squeeze. “I know what you’re doing isn’t easy. I’m proud of you for making such quick headway.”
Sascha smirks. “Don’t go getting all emotional on me, big brother. The fun’s just beginning.”
I chuckle, smacking his shoulder as I release him. “Those bastards don’t know what they’re in for, bringing you on board.”
But despite Sascha’s cocky grin, and my attempt to lighten the mood with my overconfident statement, I know all too well that this might be the last time I see my brother alive. And that fact never strays far from my mind.
Sascha’s role in Mikhail’s operation weighs heavily on me. Because despite my brother’s nonchalance, I can see it’s not easy being so immersed in the business of human trafficking. Not that anyone else would see the toll it’s taking. Sascha’s a master at concealing his emotions.
I let Sascha leave first, and as I remain in the deep night shadows, I shoot off a quick text to Mel. Knowing full well that she’s not going to be happy with me for making her wait.
Just as I suspected, I get no immediate response, and I release a heavy sigh as I stalk back toward the road where I parked my bike. I should put my words together before I get home because Mel’s going to want answers after having waited hours when I told her I wouldn’t be gone long.
“Blyat,” I growl when I check my phone again as I reach my bike.
She’s mad enough to give me the silent treatment.
But the tingling sense of foreboding that starts at the base of my spine tells me it might be more than that. And a dark thought slowly creeps into my mind.
She wouldn’t decide to leave again, right?
25
MEL
My eyes track toward the front door every few steps as I pace across the living room. The plush rug is soft beneath my bruised feet, but it does nothing to comfort me. Nor does that painful silence.
Gleb said he would be right back, but he’s not here.
And now it’s dark.
Every time I try to sit, the anxiety rises, tightening around my throat until I choke.
I think that’s why Lev and Denka are avoiding me.
They can’t stand my restlessness.
But they take turns checking in every hour, dutifully keeping an eye on me and Gabby.
I put her to bed not too long ago. And now she’s sleeping soundly in the guest room—completely oblivious to the worry gnawing a hole in my belly.
What’s keeping Gleb so long?
Mingled with my fear for his safety is that ever-present sense of the walls closing in around me. That feeling of claustrophobia that stems from being kept confined to a room for too long. The anticipation of not knowing what’s going to happen next—or when.
And none of it is in my control.
I hate it.
