39. Kat

Chapter 39

Kat

The sharp crack of gunfire echoes through the store, and I freeze, my breath hitching as I whip my head around, trying to figure out where the shots came from.

Dmitri reacts instantly—his hand dives inside his jacket for his gun, and before I can say another word, he’s yanking me down behind a clothing rack.

“Just our luck,” I mutter under my breath, my pulse racing. “Our day off, and these assholes decide to hit this store of all places.”

Dmitri’s eyes dart around the shop, his body tense like a coiled spring. “It’s not a robbery,” he mutters under his breath.

I blink at him, my voice rising. “What do you mean it’s not a robbery?”

“It’s the Irish,” he says, low and clipped, his jaw tight.

I gape at him. “You don’t know that?—”

“Shh,” he cuts me off, clamping his hand over my mouth, his expression dead serious. “I do know. Trust me.”

As if on cue, he’s proven right within seconds when a thick Irish accent booms out: “Where the hell is she? Find her now !”

The blood drains from my face, and I mutter against Dmitri’s hand, “I guess Nik was right.”

He shoots me a sharp look. “You think?”

“How the hell did they even find us?” I whisper

“They’ve probably been tailing us since we left the penthouse,” Dmitri grits out, shaking his head. “ Fuck. I should’ve spotted it.”

“It’s not your fault,” I whisper, though even I can hear how weak that sounds.

He exhales sharply. “Doesn’t matter now. We need to get the fuck out of here. We’re outnumbered, outgunned, and I can’t get backup here in time. If they find us...” He pauses, his expression dark. “They’ll kill me and take you. And if you die on my watch, Nik will find a way to drag me back from hell just so he can kill me himself.”

I let out a shaky, bitter laugh. “I am so fucking done being fucking kidnapped by fucking mobsters," I mutter, my frustration bubbling over. “Let’s go. Lead the way.

Dmitri grabs my hand, and we crawl through the store, keeping low as McGuire’s men unleash chaos. Salespeople scream, shelves crash to the ground, and the air is thick with panic. Somehow, we make it to the back of the store unnoticed.

An emergency exit looms ahead, but I hesitate.

“Wait!” I whisper sharply as Dmitri reaches for the handle. “If you open that, it might set off an alarm.”

He shrugs, his expression hard. “We’re out of options. Get ready. When I open this, you run. Go as fast as you can. Don’t look back. Don't stop. And don’t wait for me. Just run until you hit the main road.”

“But your car’s parked out back,” I protest.

“Forget the car. The main road’s our best shot. It's busy—we can lose them there,” he says, already bracing to shove the door open.

I want to argue, to point out how reckless this plan sounds, but I know he’s right. We don’t have time.

“Ready?” he asks, his voice low and urgent.

I nod, my heart hammering in my chest.

“Three… two… one.”

The door swings open, no alarm blaring, but the groan of the heavy metal door is deafening. It’s enough.

Shouts erupt behind us, and my stomach clenches as I hear footsteps pounding in pursuit.

“Go, go, go!” Dmitri yells, and for once, I don't argue.

We sprint through the narrow alley, the sound of our pursuers close behind. My lungs burn, and my legs feel like they might give out, but adrenaline pushes me forward.

Just as we burst onto the main road, salvation comes in the form of a yellow cab. The sight is so perfect it feels like a mirage.

“Over here!” Dmitri waves frantically at the driver, his voice rising above the chaos.

The cab screeches to a stop, and Dmitri doesn’t waste a second. He practically shoves me inside before barking Nik's address at the driver. “Drive. Don’t stop for anything. I’ll make it worth your while.”

The cab speeds off, and I turn to Dmitri, my mind racing. “Shouldn’t we try to lose them first?” I ask, glancing nervously out the rear window.

He shakes his head, his jaw sett. “No point. They already know where we’re headed. The penthouse is the safest place for you. If they had the guts or the gear to go after it, they’d have done it already. Trust me, Kat—it’s a fortress. No one gets in or out without Nik's say-so.”

I nod, trying to calm my pounding heart, but his next words make my stomach drop.

“Fuck,” Dmitri mutters, staring at his phone. “He hit us hard.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, my voice shaking.

“McGuire torched half a dozen of Nik’s properties. Right after we left.” Dmitri exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “Nik must be out of his mind right now.”

“Is he okay?” I ask, my throat tightening as panic claws at me.

“I'm sure he’s fine,” he says firmly, though his jaw is clenched. "Like I said, the penthouse is a fortress. This is just a scare tactic to flush Nik out.”

“Flush him out? You think this is about baiting him?”

He nods grimly. “Why else send his men after us in broad daylight? They wanted you. They wanted leverage.”

“Damn it, Nik. Pick up the fucking phone,” Dmitri mutters, his jaw tight as he clutches his phone.

“He’s not answering?” I ask, my voice climbing a pitch. “Oh, God, Dmitri—what if something’s happened to him?”

“Nothing’s happened, Kat,” he says, his tone firm but not unkind. “If it had, I’d know by now. He’s probably just busy.”

“Well, keep calling him,” I say, my words rushed as I dig into my bag with trembling hands. “I need to hear his voice to know he’s okay.” I pull out my phone and dial Nik’s number, pressing it to my ear as my heart pounds.

But the line rings endlessly, unanswered.

By the time the cab pulls up to the penthouse, neither of us has managed to get through. Dmitri pulls a thick wad of cash from his pocket, slaps it into the driver’s hand, and practically yanks me out of the car.

“Come on,” he says, his tone clipped as his eyes scan the area.

He moves quickly, dragging me toward the entrance and ignoring the curious glances from people in the lobby. Within seconds, we’re in the elevator, and Dmitri lets out a loud exhale, leaning back against the mirrored wall.

“I’m sure Nik’s upstairs waiting for us,” he says, flashing me a tight smile. I can’t tell if he’s trying to reassure me or himself.

The elevator dings, and as the doors slide open, Dmitri fades into the background of my mind. I step out, my chest tightening as I take in the chaos before me.

The penthouse is pandemonium. Men move with military precision, speaking in rapid-fire Russian as they strap on bulletproof vests and check their weapons. Guns—so many guns—are being passed around, and for a moment, I’m sure I spot grenades in someone’s hands. My stomach churns.

I sway on unsteady legs, my breath catching when my eyes land on Nik. He’s standing near the far wall, tucking a pistol into his waistband, his face set in stone. Relief crashes over me like a tidal wave, and I force my shaking legs to move.

“Oh, thank God you’re fine,” I breathe, my voice trembling as I finally reach him.

At the sound of my voice, Nik’s head snaps up. His dark eyes lock on mine, and his entire body tenses for half a second before he’s moving, shoving his men aside like they’re nothing. By the time he reaches me, I’m already throwing myself into his arms.

He catches me, his grip almost painfully tight, and buries his face in my hair, pressing frantic kisses to the top of my head.

“Kat,” he rasps, his voice rough and low. “What's wrong? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I whisper, my voice breaking. “Now that I know you’re okay.”

Nik pulls back just enough to study me, his hands cupping my face as his eyes scan me from head to toe, his frown deepening with each second.

“Are you hurt?” I ask, my voice shaking as my fingers skim his chest and shoulders, searching for any sign of injury.

His lips twitch into a small, exasperated smile. “Why would I be hurt?” he asks, his tone light but confusion still lingers in his eyes.

“Dmitri told me McGuire attacked the bratva ,” I say.

“A few warehouses,” Nik replies, his voice soft. “No one was there. No one’s hurt. He’s just trying to bait me.”

He glances past me to Dmitri, his expression hardening. “Why the fuck didn’t either of you answer your phones?” His voice rises, fury creeping in. “Once I got word McGuire hit us, I tried calling to tell you to come back. I sent Vladmir to fetch you. I was out of my mind, thinking they might track you down. Thank God they didn’t. Thank God you’re both safe, that’s all that matters. But pick up your fucking phones next time.

Dmitri opens his mouth, but I beat him to it. “You don’t know.”

His brow furrows. “Don’t know what?”

Dmitri steps forward, his tone grim. “Connor came for us,” he says. “Bold as fuck, Nik. Guns blazing. Downtown, broad daylight. They were looking for Kat.”

The room goes deathly quiet. Every guy in the penthouse freezes, their eyes darting to Nik.

“He what ?” Nik roars, his fingers tightening on my arms.

Dmitri shakes his head grimly. “I'm serious. We barely made it out.”

Nik’s hands fall from my arms, only to lift my chin. His dark eyes scan my face like he’s trying to reassure himself that I’m still in one piece. Then his gaze flicks to Dmitri, inspecting him for any sign of injury.

“Did they hurt you?” he asks me, his voice so soft it makes my chest ache.

I shake my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “Nope. My knight in shining armor, Dmitri, came through like a pro. Five stars, no notes. This damsel in distress is thoroughly impressed.”

Dmitri opens his mouth, an undoubtedly inappropriate comment hovering on the tip of his tongue. But his smirk vanishes when Nik turns his glare on him. “Don’t even think about it,” Nik warns, his voice low and lethal.

For once, Dmitri wisely stays silent.

Nik’s hands return to my face, tilting it up to meet his gaze. “You’re never leaving my sight again,” he murmurs, deadly serious. “Not at least until McGuire’s dead and gone.”

I laugh softly, rising onto my toes to plant a quick kiss on Nik’s cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re worried.”

His eye twitches, and his expression darkens instantly. “ Cute ?!” he echoes, his tone dripping with disbelief, as if I’ve just insulted him in the worst way. He looks poised to put me in my place, but before he can, we’re interrupted.

“We got him,” Vladmir announces, striding into the room, slightly breathless. “Lucien sent word of McGuire’s location. I’ve confirmed it—just saw the bastard with my own eyes. He’s holed up near the port, in a studio a block south of the docks.”

Nik doesn’t even pause to think. “Let’s go.”

His men spring into action immediately, their movements efficient and practiced. Within moments, the room is nearly empty, the silence that follows almost deafening.

My relief is short-lived as I watch Nik prepare to leave with them. My stomach twists when he slips a knife into his waistband, followed by another tucked expertly into his boot.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” I ask, crossing my arms as I step in front of him.

He gives me a puzzled look. “You heard Vladmir. We’ve got McGuire.”

“Yeah, and I just watched your little death squad arm themselves to the teeth. They’ve got this, Nik. Let them handle it.”

He lets out a humorless laugh, low and sharp. “You think I can just sit here while McGuire takes a shot at me, my men, and worst of all, you?”

“First of all,” I start, my voice rising to match his intensity, “if you retaliate, it means war. Wasn’t the whole point of this scheme to avoid that?

His gaze softens, but his resolve doesn’t waver. “Things change, kiska . If he wants war this badly, I’ll give it to him.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do,” he says, his voice calm but unyielding. “It’s time to end this. Enough is enough.” His fingers slip into my hair, and the tenderness of his touch is at odds with the steely determination in his eyes.

I shiver under his intense gaze, but I push past it. “Nik,” I say, my voice trembling with anger now, “this is a mistake. You’ve said it yourself—he’s dangerous. You’re rushing into this without thinking it through.”

He shakes his head slowly, his lips quirking into a faint, almost amused smile. “It’ll be fine, kiska . You’ll see.”

“You don’t know that!” My voice cracks under the weight of my frustration, the fear clawing its way to the surface. “If you won’t listen to reason, then at least don’t be stupid enough to go after him yourself. What’s the point of having an entire army if you can’t send them to do your dirty work?”

He chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss to my forehead. “I’d never do that. I can’t ask my men to risk their lives for the bratva if I’m not willing to do the same.”

I scoff, the tightness in my chest making it hard to breathe. “That’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said.”

“Besides,” he says, his tone firm, ignoring my interruption, “this is too personal. He took my best friend from me, tried to harm my woman, and even plotted to steal her from me. It’ll be my pleasure to end him myself.”

“Nik—” I start, my voice faltering. I’m not too proud to beg, but the look in his eyes stops me. It’s pointless. He’s made up his mind, and nothing I say will change it.

His gaze flicks to Dmitri. “I need you to stay here.”

Dmitri groans, his frustration palpable. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“You’ll stay and protect Kat,” Nik says with finality.

“Kat will be fine here, Nik. She doesn’t need me. My place is with you,” Dmitri counters, his tone pleading.

Nik’s jaw tightens as he shakes his head. “I can’t go after McGuire unless I know with absolute certainty that she’s safe.”

Dmitri’s glare matches mine as he sighs, “Come on, man. Don’t do this to me.

Nik’s voice softens slightly, but his resolve remains unshaken. “This isn’t a punishment, Dmitri. It’s the highest honor responsibility I can give. Kat’s safety means everything to me. And there’s no one I trust more than you—you’re the closest thing I have to family now.”

Dmitri hesitates, visibly torn, and I realize it’s up to me to intervene. “No, Dmitri’s right. I’ll be fine here. You should let him go with you, Nik.”

Nik turns his scowl on us. “You two seem confused about how this works. This isn’t a democracy,” he says, his voice rising.

“Please,” I beg, my voice cracking despite my best efforts to keep it steady. “Let him go with you. Please. For me. I’ll feel better knowing he’s watching your back.” My throat tightens, and my vision blurs as tears threaten to spill.

Nik exhales sharply, rolling his eyes in that exasperated way of his before pulling me into his arms again. His lips press a soft kiss to my forehead, and I feel the faintest curve of a smile against my skin. “Come on, kiska ,” he murmurs, his tone gentle but teasing. “I’m flattered, but there’s no need to cry for me. I’ll be fine. I don’t need my bratishka to hold my hand.”

Beside us, Dmitri stiffens. The sharp intake of his breath breaks the silence, and his stunned expression tells me that whatever Nik said meant something deeply sentimental. Dmitri’s uncharacteristic silence only confirms it.

Nik holds me close for a moment longer, his thumb tracing soothing circles at my temple. “You’re both worrying over nothing,” he says with a quiet confidence that feels unshakable.

I grab fistfuls of Nik’s sweater, tugging him closer, my voice trembling. “Please,” I whisper, pressing a soft kiss to the warm skin of his throat. “For me.”

I expect him to refuse immediately, but he hesitates, his jaw clenching as if waging an internal battle. Finally, he exhales sharply. “I have one condition,” he says, his voice low but firm. “You stay inside the penthouse. You’ll listen to my men—no sneaking out, no arguments.”

Relief floods through me, and I nod quickly. “Okay. I promise.”

His eyes search mine, lingering a moment longer before he adds, “Actually, I’ve got a better idea. You’ll lock yourself in my bedroom with the gun I gave you. If anyone who isn’t me comes through the door—” His gaze hardens. “You shoot them. No hesitation.”

“No problem,” I reply instantly, my voice steady. If this is what it takes for him to agree, I’ll do it.

His lips curve into a faint smile as he presses a lingering kiss to the top of my head. “Good girl. Now go.” Then, as if to ease the tension, he gives my butt a light swat. Still teary-eyed, I can’t even bring myself to roll my eyes, let alone protest.

I turn to Dmitri, swallowing hard against the lump forming in my throat. “Please be careful,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “And make sure he’s careful, too. Look out for him… and yourself.”

Dmitri gives me a solemn nod, the teasing glint in his eyes gone. For once, he doesn’t have a quip, and that silence unnerves me more than anything else.

I draw a shaky breath, trying to summon the strength to say goodbye to Nik. But one look at him—those warm brown eyes, the slight sheen of his dark hair catching the light—and I crumble. Tears spill down my cheeks, and I launch myself into his arms, clutching his neck as if my life depends on it. My fingers tangle in the fabric of his sweater, my face pressed into the curve of his neck. The thought that this might be the last time I get to hold him breaks me, and the sobs come harder.

His arms tighten around my waist, pulling me closer. “ Kiska ,” he murmurs, his deep voice soothing even through my tears. He sighs, chuckling softly. “I’m so flattered, but there’s no need for all this. I’ll be fine. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

I pull back just enough to meet his eyes, my voice shaking. “I can’t believe you’re laughing,” I manage between sobs.

His lips curve into a faint smile. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to. How about this—when I get back, we’ll have dinner together. Anything you want—pizza, steak, lobster, you name it. Or, better yet… how about an actual date this time? And I do mean a real date. Someplace nice. Romantic. Anywhere in the world. Your call. Let me try to impress you.”

I sniff, wiping my face with the back of my hand. “Just bring yourself home.”

He smirks, brushing a tear from my cheek. “I already told you I will. Now, be a good girl and get to my room. I’ll see you soon.”

“Promise?”

“I pinky swear,” he says, chuckling again, his eyes softening as they melt into mine.

With one final kiss to my forehead, he gently unwinds my arms from around his neck. I watch, hollow inside, as he and Dmitri disappear through the door.

I stand frozen in the foyer for what feels like forever, the tears drying on my cheeks. Finally, I drag myself to Nik’s room, my body heavy with exhaustion and worry. On any other day, I’d be excited to explore this prime real estate, but today, the luxurious furnishings and personal details blur into nothingness. I don’t care. All I can feel is the suffocating weight of despair as I sit on the edge of his bed.

I sniff, trying to swallow down the tears threatening to rise again. The faint, familiar scent of him—woodsy and clean, with just a hint of spice—fills the air, wrapping around me like a ghost. It’s too much. A painful reminder of the warmth of his skin against mine, the softness of his hair tangled in my fingers…

f I never get to feel him again, to kiss him, to hold him…

I close my eyes, desperate to escape the storm of emotions tearing me apart. But even in the darkness, there’s no reprieve. I see him—the mischievous glimmer in his eyes when we argue, the smug smirk when he knows he’s won. His laugh echoes in my mind, both infuriating and endearing.

There’s nowhere to go. No escape from the thought that I might never have him in my arms again. The realization crashes into me, leaving me breathless.

And worst of all—I didn’t even kiss him goodbye.

Before I fully realize what I’m doing, I’m on my feet, bolting to the bedroom door. My heartbeat thrums in my ears as I sprint down the hallway toward the elevator.

Two unfamiliar guards shout after me, their voices sharp with alarm, but I don’t slow down. I slip past them with ease. They have strength; I have speed—and the single-minded need to get to Nik.

The elevator ride feels like an eternity. My pulse pounds as each second drags on, my stomach twisting with dread. Finally, the doors slide open, and I’m in the garage.

It takes me only a moment to spot him. Thank God he hasn’t left yet. Nik stands with his back to me, speaking to a man I don’t recognize. Around him, his men exchange uneasy glances when they see me approaching. Their whispers grow louder, their eyes darting toward Nik, uncertain whether to step in or stand down.

As I close the distance, Nik’s back straightens, his shoulders stiff with tension. Slowly, he turns. The moment his gaze lands on me, disbelief flickers across his face. It’s quickly replaced by raw, unfiltered fury.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he thunders, his voice echoing off the walls. “I told you to stay inside. You promised me!”

His anger flares even brighter when he spots the sheepish guards trailing behind me, out of breath and clearly outmatched. Nik’s dark eyes narrow as he rants, his words sharp and scolding, but I don’t hear a single one.

I don’t care. I don’t even pretend to care.

Closing the gap between us, I leap into his arms without hesitation. Reflexively, his hands grip my waist, catching me. Before he can yell another word, I'm already kissing him—hard. My lips crash into his, hard and desperate, my hands tangling in his sweater and hair as I pour every ounce of fear, frustration, and longing into the kiss.

For a moment, Nik freezes, too stunned to react. But then a low, guttural groan escapes him, and the fury in his body melts into something far more dangerous. His arms tighten around me, his lips moving against mine with an intensity that steals my breath.

Too soon, Dmitri clears his throat nearby, the sound loud and deliberate.

Reluctantly, Nik pulls back, his hands steadying me as he sets me on my feet. His lips brush against my ear as he whispers, “This isn’t over. We’ll finish this. Later.”

I nod wordlessly, my heart still pounding.

His voice hardens as he straightens. “Now, go back inside and do as I told you,” he orders. “I better see your ass on my bed when I get back.”

Still breathless, I nod again, my voice failing me.

Nik strides toward the black SUV, his movements purposeful. At the last second, I find my voice. “Come back to me,” I say, my words trembling with everything I haven’t had the chance to say.

He pauses, turning back. In two swift steps, he’s in front of me again, his mouth claiming mine in a kiss so quick and fierce it leaves me reeling. Resting his forehead against mine, he whispers, his voice raw with promise. “ Kiska . Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.”

And then he’s gone, slipping into the car without another word.

All I can do is stand there, watching helplessly as the vehicle pulls away, taking him from me.