Page 56 of Mr. and Mrs. Novak

"I got access to his office."

He watches me, as if assessing my reaction. And I understand what he’s not saying. This is why he became Natasha’s lover…

"Stanislas keeps incriminating files on all his partners. A kind of insurance policy."

He pauses, as if debating whether to continue.

"There were also photos… the kind that could bring down politicians."

A heavy silence settles. Now I understand why Stanford feels untouchable.

"We’re still missing a direct link," Nicolas resumes. "Something that proves he’s the one orchestrating this trafficking, that he’s not just another cog in the machine."

I process the information, the implications sinking in.

"I need to report this to my employer."

Ruslan nods, then turns to Nicolas:

"In the meantime, send a car to the address I’m about to give you. And get rid of mine."

I let them continue their conversation, step into the bathroom, and activate the secure channel to make my call.

"Sierra," my boss greets me the moment he picks up. "How are you?"

"Fine. A little shaken, but I’m okay."

"Tell me everything."

I give him a concise summary: the alert during my shift, my intervention with the RAID, the car chase, Ruslan’s involvement, and our escape.

"After your message last night, India and Delta are already on it. They intercepted footage of the chase through city cameras and managed to track your pursuers. Even better, they hacked into their system."

"What did they find?"

"They spotted you through the cameras at Le Havre. You were seen getting out of Pedro’s car. Then, they set up automatic facial recognition across all Paris surveillance cameras. You were detected at a red light while heading toward Condor in the parking lot. They were likely sweeping the area when they stumbled upon you. The good news is they’re independents, so they probably haven’t shared what they know about you with Stanford yet."

A shiver runs through me. I hate uncertainties.

"One more thing," my boss adds. "Right now, a RAID team is about to storm their hideout. I’ll update you as soon as I know more."

30. Flash drive

RUSLAN

I arranged to meet Natasha at a discreet hotel, away from prying eyes. Sophia didn't appreciate the idea at all, and I had to tell her a thousand times that Natasha meant nothing to me and that I wasn't in any danger before she finally agreed to the plan we had developed with Nicolas and Akim. Afterward, I made love to her again, taking her from behind. I get aroused just remembering Sophia, on all fours and offering herself to me while I penetrated her and filling her inch by inch. The memory of my manhood entering and leaving her body, glistening with her desire, is so erotic that my arousal stirs in my pants.

When Natasha enters the room, her eyes immediately drop to the lower part of my body, and she smiles with satisfaction, convinced she’s responsible for my state.

What she doesn’t realize is that despite her beauty, I feel no desire for her. Her body may be flawless, but she shares his bed—an arrangement that repulses me. The idea of inserting myself into that dynamic makes my stomach turn.

A flash of our past encounters crosses my mind. Sex. Dominance. Power.

Once, those games meant something.

Now they leave me with nothing but a lingering sense of discomfort.

I don’t want that anymore.