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We step outside, and Sergei approaches. “We’ve taken care of the men.”

“Burn the whole place down.”

He nods. “Yes boss.”

I carry Aurora to the waiting SUV and climb inside with her still in my arms. She settles against me, curling into my chest as I hold her as tightly as I dare.

A moment later, Sergei steps away from the property.

I watch through the window as he tosses an incendiary into the building.

Flames erupt almost immediately, swallowing the structure in a violent orange glow.

I don’t look away until we’re pulling out. Then I turn my attention back to Aurora. She’s still sitting on my lap, her arms around my neck.

She’s alive. I press my lips to her forehead. I came dangerously close to losing her.

I tilt her face toward mine and kiss her deeply, pouring every ounce of relief I can’t put into words into that kiss.

Chapter 30

Aurora

I cling to Roman as the car tears through the darkness.

My fingers are twisted into the front of his shirt, holding on so tightly my knuckles ache. I know he is here. I know he found me.

But every time my eyes drift shut, fear claws its way up my throat. What if I open them and he’s gone? I force my eyes open. He’s still here.

Roman’s arm is wrapped securely around me, his other hand cradling the back of my head. His face is tense, his jaw locked as he stares ahead.

“I’m here, baby,” he murmurs, as though he can hear every terrified thought in my head.

My eyelids begin to grow heavy again. I try to fight them, but lose. A few minutes later, I blink awake to the sound of the SUV slowing.

We’re home. Roman shifts beneath me, and suddenly I’m being lifted. His arms slide beneath my knees and around my back as he carries me out of the vehicle.

“Roman?”

His eyes drop to mine immediately. “Relax. We’re home now.”

I stare at him, trying to hold on to his face, but everything around me swims. His voice is the only thing that feels solid.

I let my head fall against his chest. “My head hurts.”

His arms tighten around me. “I’m sorry. We’re going to get you checked.”

He carries me through the entrance without putting me down. The lights overhead are painfully bright. I squeeze my eyes shut and bury my face against his neck.

Soon we’re climbing the stairs, and then we’re inside our bedroom. Roman carries me straight into the bathroom.

“Easy,” he murmurs.

He lowers me carefully onto the closed toilet lid before crouching in front of me. His fingers brush my hair away from my face.

“Can you sit here for me?”

I nod.