Page 63 of The Pakhan’s Unwanted Bride

The corridor is empty and quiet and I take a deep breath. My mind is swirling with so many thoughts, I don't hear someone clear their throat until they do it a second time.

I turn. Gregory stands in the adjoining hallway, his expression serious. He glances both ways, making sure we're alone, then steps closer.

"There's something you need to understand about loving a Pakhan."

My breath catches. "What do you mean?"

"The most dangerous threats never come from rival families." His voice is low, urgent. "They come from the people standing closest to him."

Before I can ask what he means, before I can demand an explanation, Gregory walks away. His footsteps fade down the corridor, leaving me alone with his unsettling warning echoing in my mind.

What the hell was that all about? Was that a warning to me? Who said I loved Samuil? My heart gives a little squeeze at the thought. I care for him, sure. But love? That's taking things too far. Was Gregory trying to warn me or Samuil? That man is so confusing.

Shouting erupts from the front foyer. I hurry toward the commotion, my heart pounding. Staff scatter as I rush past. When I reach the entrance hall, Samuil is already there, his hand resting on the pistol at his waist.

One of his captains bursts through the front doors. His face is pale, his breathing ragged. Dirt streaks his clothes and sweat dampens his hair.

He locks eyes with Samuil. "We found Ivan Rostov," he gasps. "He's alive."

32

SAMUIL

My captain locks eyes with me. "We found Ivan Rostov," he gasps. "He's alive."

"Where?" My voice cuts through the sudden chaos in the foyer.

"Old hunting property about forty miles north." The captain's breathing is still ragged. "Abandoned cabin near the state forest. We saw him through the windows."

"How many guards?"

"At least eight that we could see. Maybe more inside."

I'm already moving, pulling my phone from my pocket and dialing. I send out one brief message to gather the men and bring weapons.

Ana appears at my side, her face pale but determined. "I'm coming with you."

Every instinct I have screams to forbid it and lock her in the estate where she'll be safe while I handle this. But I see the look in her eyes and know she won't stay behind. This is her father and she's determined to be there when we rescue him. I don't blame her, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

"You stay in the vehicle under heavy guard," I say sharply. "You don't move unless I tell you it's safe. Understood?"

She nods quickly. "Understood."

Within fifteen minutes, the convoy is assembled in the courtyard. Six vehicles, twenty of my most experienced soldiers, and enough firepower to start a small war. I personally check every weapon. Nothing gets overlooked.

I assign Ana to the third vehicle with four of my best men surrounding her. She climbs inside without argument, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

The drive north takes nearly an hour. I study the countryside as we pass, watching for anything out of place. This could be a trap. Someone could be leading us into an ambush. But we have no choice. If there's even a chance Ivan is alive, we have to take it.

My phone buzzes with updates from the other vehicles. Everyone is in position, approaching from different angles to surround the property. No one gets in or out without us knowing.

The hunting cabin comes into view through the trees. It's old, weathered wood and a sagging roof, surrounded by dense forest. Perfect place to hide someone. Remote enough that screams wouldn't carry.

But something feels wrong. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up in warning. I signal for the convoy to stop a quarter-mile out and grab my binoculars. Through the lenses, I count the armed guards positioned around the cabin. Eight visible from this angle. Maybe more on the other sides.

That's too many. Far more than needed to watch a single prisoner. Either this is a trap, or they're preparing for a siege.

I lower the binoculars and reach for my radio. "There's a lot of fucking guards, so watch your backs. Shoot to kill."