Page 59 of Where the Wind Whispers

“Intended husb—”

Caesar didn’t even get to finish his sentence and Violet heard the clack of a hammer being pulled back on a gun.

“Finish your sentence,” Kaz urged.

Ruslan wouldn’t let Violet turn around as he shoved her into the passenger side of the Porsche. It didn’t matter; she could plainly see Kaz pointing his gun into the car fifteen feet away.

She couldn’t hear what was being said anymore because Ruslan had closed the door and was leaning against it so that she couldn’t get out.

If there was one thing she learned about Russians since being with Kaz, it was that they were very physical people. And they didn’t mind using that to get what they wanted, either.

Another minute passed, then two, and finally, Kaz lowered his weapon.

Although, to be fair, that looked like it was the last thing he wanted to do.

With a single wave of his hand, Kaz turned his back to the car. He hadn’t even taken one step away from the car, and Caesar was already pulling back out onto the street, making an illegal U-turn to go back the other way.

But it was over.

Violet knew that much was true as Kaz strolled toward the car, his gun placed back in its spot and his previous anger gone.

It was over.

Or … half of it was.

Alberto Gallucci was still alive, after all.

It felt like he could finally fucking breathe.

When Kaz pulled her out of that car, felt her skin beneath his for the first time in too long, he felt like things would finally go back to the way they were. And more, he was just glad to have his wife back.

He hadn’t even finished questioning the man who had brought Violet back to him. He had been all too ready to leave the Italian because he now had what he wanted more—but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be questioning Violet about him later.

But for now, he just wanted to enjoy her.

To remind himself that she was right there, sitting comfortably in the passenger seat of his Porsche. But even that wasn’t enough.

They were miles from home before he pulled over, threw the sports car in park, and snapped off her seat belt a moment before dragging her across the middle console and into his lap. A breathless laugh escaped her as she righted herself—that smile he had missed so much curling her lips.

He just needed a moment, this moment, to remind himself that it was all worth it.

That she was worth it.

Cupping her cheek, Kaz drew her face down, his gaze skimming over her cheek. He had left enough marks on her during the many nights they’d spent together to notice one, even as light as this one was. That, coupled with the torn dress under the unknown blazer she was wearing was enough to spark his temper.

Violet pulled back, just slightly, shaking her head. “It’s not worth getting upset about, Kaz.”

“Give me a name.” Already, he felt the urge to do violence to whoever had the fucking balls to lay a hand on her.

“Kaz, it’s fine.”

“Or an address. I’m not picky.”

After a brief hesitation, she finally answered. “Alberto.”

Kaz frowned, his brows arching. “Why the—”

“He found out I was pregnant. He … didn’t take it well.”