48. Nik

Chapter 48

Nik

It’s dark outside by the time I finally look up from my work. My eyes burn, and my back protests as I stretch, tight muscles groaning. I glance at the clock and curse under my breath. I didn't realize it was so late.

I need her.

Rolling my shoulders, I push out of my chair and make my way through the penthouse, already imagining her in bed, wrapped up in blankets. Just the thought makes my chest ache. I open the door to our bedroom, ready to see her.

But the bed’s empty. The covers haven’t even been touched.

Frowning, I head to the kitchen. She loves her late-night snacks. She’s probably raiding the fridge or sneaking cookies. It’s almost a sure thing.

But when I flick on the lights, the kitchen’s empty too.

Frustration creeps in as I rub my eyes. She’s probably in the guest room. Maybe she went back to grab something she left behind—or maybe she’s trying to mess with me. That sounds like her.

Fine . If she wants to play games, I’ll bite.

But when I shove the door open, the bed’s perfectly made. The room's empty.

A knot twists in my gut as I start moving faster, checking every room. Lights flick on. Doors slam open. Her name echoes through the penthouse, but silence is the only answer.

And then it hits me—a cold, gut-wrenching realization.

She’s gone.

I don’t know where the fuck she is.

I don’t know if she’s safe.

Enraged, I storm to the other wing of the penthouse, heading straight for the security room. I don’t bother knocking—I barely stop myself from kicking the door off its hinges.

Inside, a young shestyorka —his name escapes me—chokes on his coffee, his eyes going wide as a deer’s. Vladmir, sitting stoically beside him, glances up, his only reaction a slight lift of his brows.

“Where is she?” I snap before either of them can speak.

The two exchange a look, and something in my chest tightens.

Vladmir clears his throat, shifting in his seat. “She left a few hours ago, Nikolai. She said she had errands to run.”

“Did she now?”

He nods, his discomfort growing by the second. “She said you gave her permission to go out on her own.”

I step closer. “And did that sound like something I’d allow? With McGuire still out there?”

His throat bobs as he swallows hard. “Uh… I didn’t think?—”

I cut him off with a harsh laugh. “Oh, we can agree on that. You didn’t think. Did she at least tell you where she was going?”

He shakes his head, and I don’t waste another second on him. Turning on my heel, I curse under my breath as I leave, slamming the door behind me.

This is a waste of time. If I stay any longer, I’ll lose what’s left of my temper. Especially with the way Vladmir keeps looking at me—like I’m a fool being played by a woman who knows exactly what she’s doing.

She promised. Just a few hours ago, she stood right in front of me and said she’d stay in the penthouse until I dealt with McGuire. But now she’s gone, and I have no idea where she is.

She’s not safe out there, not with McGuire still breathing. There’s nothing he’d love more than to hurt her to get to me.

If there was something so important she had to leave, why didn’t she tell me? I would’ve handled it for her. Or at the very least, I would’ve gone with her. But no—she just had to go by herself.

Dmitri’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts, breathless and excited. “There you are. You’re not going to believe what I’ve got for you.”

I spin around, hope flaring for a brief, desperate second. Could it be? Did he run into Kat? Did he bring her back?

But no. He’s alone, and my heart sinks.

The grin slips from his face as he takes one look at mine. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

“Kat’s gone,” I bite out, the words bitter on my tongue. “She left hours ago and hasn’t come back. I have no idea where she is.”

His brow furrows, but he tries to sound reassuring. “Maybe she just needed some air. You know how she is. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

I shake my head, jaw tight. “If that’s all it was, why wouldn’t she tell me? She knows how complicated things are right now.”

“Well, maybe she forgot to mention it,” he says with a shrug. “You were working, right? She probably didn’t want to interrupt you. I’m sure she’ll turn up any minute.”

His words do little to ease the hot, festering rage twisting in my gut. “I don’t buy it. She knew exactly what she was doing when she left without a word. She went behind my back, Dmitri. On purpose.”

Dmitri sighs, but he keeps his tone light, like he’s trying to calm a wild animal. “Nik, she probably just needed a little space. You know how she is—she’s not exactly the type to sit still. I’ll bet anything that’s what this is. She’ll be back soon. Safe and sound

“If McGuire gets his hands on her—” My voice catches, the words jagged in my throat. “If something happens to her, Dmitri, I don’t know what I’ll do.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to her,” Dmitri says, his tone firm but edged with a hint of exasperation. “She’s tough, Nik. Smart. I’m sure she’s fine.” He hesitates, then adds, “Listen, I’ve got some good news. It might help take your mind off this.”

I scowl. “Not now, Dmitri. I’m not in the mood.”

“You will be,” he says, maddeningly confident, “when you hear who I ran into just a few blocks from here. Go ahead, guess.”

He pauses, letting the silence hang, milking it for all it’s worth.

I glare at him, unblinking. “I sincerely hope for your sake that’s rhetorical and you’re not actually expecting me to guess.”

He sighs, but his smirk doesn’t falter. “Connor. I caught him scouting us.”

That gets my attention. It cuts through the noise in my head like a blade.

“I wasn’t sure if I should bring him back,” Dmitri continues, “but you weren’t picking up your phone, and I figured you’d want to handle this yourself.”

Connor Daniels. McGuire’s right-hand man. This could be the break we need we’ve been waiting for. But as much as I want to focus, my thoughts keep drifting back to Kat. To the fact that she’s out there alone. To the fact that she felt the need to sneak out on me.

Dmitri’s words echo in my head, reluctantly sticking. Maybe she does need space—from this mess, from me. She’s bold, dangerously so, but she isn’t reckless. If something went wrong, she’d call me. At least, I hope she would.

It takes everything in me not to storm out and hunt her down, drag her back here where she belongs. But I can’t bear the idea of driving her away. Besides, the best way to protect her is to end McGuire for good.

“Bring him up,” I say finally, forcing my focus back to Connor. “And tell Vladmir to find Kat. I don’t want her to know he’s there, and I don’t want him trying to bring her back. Just keep an eye on her.”

If nothing else, Vlad’ll be eager to redeem himself.

Dmitri smirks, already moving. “On it. Let’s see what Connor has to say.”

My mind is elsewhere, my heart isn’t in it—but Dmitri and I ruthlessly interrogate Connor. It doesn’t take long to learn why he was sniffing around so close to my home.

He was looking for Kat.

His orders were to take her—at all costs.

My blood runs cold as his words sink in, and before I know it, my hands are around his throat. Connor’s face darkens, his eyes bulging, and it’s only when Dmitri yanks me back that I realize I’m seconds away from choking the life out of him.

Connor gasps for air, blood trickling from his split lip. With enough blood and bruises, Connor finally cracks. “You know the story as well as I do,” he says between labored breaths. “Your pal Maxim ended up working for McGuire because of a rebellion in our ranks. My predecessor was the leader. Jack.”

Dmitri and I exchange a glance but stay silent, waiting for him to continue.

Connor coughs, spitting blood onto the floor before continuing. “What you don’t know is, close to the end, Jack figured McGuire was onto him. But Jack was clever. He wrote down everything he knew about Patrick—every dirty secret, every asset—in a little black book. And he didn’t stop there. He stole millions from McGuire and buried it somewhere, marked the location in the same book, and then hid it. Insurance.”

His bloodied mouth twists into a bitter grin. “But Jack didn’t get to use it. Died in a car accident before McGuire could lay a hand on him. Or maybe it was for the best. At least he didn’t live long enough for McGuire to get his hands on him.”

“And why is it, exactly, that we’re supposed to care about any of this?” Dmitri asks, folding his arms, his tone as cold as the room feels.

Connor hacks violently, blood dripping down his chin. “Jack’s little black book… Everyone thought it was gone for good after he died. But McGuire found out something new recently.” He pauses, wheezing. “Turns out Jack had a lady on the side. Kept her a secret from everyone.”

Dmitri raises an eyebrow, skeptical but silent. Connor keeps going, his voice raspy and uneven. “She wasn’t exactly heartbroken over Jack’s death. When McGuire waved some cash in front of her, she sang like a goddamn canary. And what she told him…” He chuckles darkly, then coughs. “It drove the old man crazy.”

Dmitri shifts beside me, arms crossed, radiating impatience.

Connor’s bloodied lips curl into a weak grin. “According to her, before Jack died, he entrusted one person with the location of the book. Just one. Imagine our surprise when we found out it was your good friend Maxim Petrovski.”

The words hit me like a brick, my mind reeling, but Dmitri’s snort cuts through the haze.

“You honestly expect us to believe that bullshit?” Dmitri snaps. “A secret mistress? A magic book? You’ll say anything to save your ass and McGuire’s.”

Connor shrugs weakly, grimacing as he coughs again. “Believe what you want, pup. Doesn’t matter to me. I knew my number was up the second you dragged me back here. Whether it’s McGuire who kills me or Nikolai, I’m a dead man walking. I’ve got no reason to lie.”

His grin widens, blood staining his teeth. “Why do you think McGuire didn’t throw a fit when Maxim came back from Russia? The old man thought it was his chance to get his hands on the book. He just needed to get close enough to grab him.”

“And the museum?” I ask. “That’s why you were there?”

Connor nods slowly, his breaths labored. “The plan was to snatch Maxim once he’d had a few drinks, but...” His smirk returns, bitter and hollow. “Someone beat us to it.”

My fists clench, my knuckles aching with the force. “You really expect me to believe you and McGuire had nothing to do with Maxim’s murder?”

Connor shrugs, his movements sluggish and resigned. “Like I said, I’m already dead. All I can hope for now is that you make it quick. Maybe telling you what I know gets me that mercy.”

Beside me, Dmitri scoffs, stepping forward. “Nik, you’re not buying this crap, right? He’s clearly full of shit. Let’s kill him and send McGuire a message.”

I stare at Connor, trying to decide my next move, but the sound of Kat’s voice outside my office shatters my focus. A second later, a deep, angry baritone snaps back at her

Before I even register what I’m doing, I’m moving. I yank the door open, and there she is

Kat

Relief slams into me so hard my knees almost give out. She’s here. She’s safe.

For a moment, I just stand there, drinking her in, scanning her from head to toe. No blood. No bruises. Just Kat, looking as fiery as ever as she tears into Vladmir, her voice sharp with indignation.

Vlad looks like he’s about to snap, laying into her for lying about having my permission to leave by herself. Normally, I’d rip into him for daring to speak to her like that, but right now? Right now, I’m happy to let him do it.

“Dmitri,” I call out over my shoulder, not taking my eyes off her. “You and Vladmir—take Connor. Stash him somewhere secure for now.”

Kat whirls around at the sound of my voice, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Connor?” she asks, her voice rising. “You mean Connor Daniels? McGuire’s right-hand man?”

Unbelievable . My teeth clench, but somehow, I keep my voice even. “That’s what you have to say to me?” I take a step closer, my gaze locked on hers. “After breaking your promise and sneaking out without a word?”

Her smirk is pure sugar as she pats my cheek. “Oh no, are you mad, kotyonok ? I’m sorry. I should’ve said something, but you were working so hard, I didn’t want to disturb you. I figured I’d be back before you even noticed I was gone. Anyway, I’m back now. No need to fight, right? Now, spill—what’s this about Connor?”

And then, she smiles at me. She fucking smiles at me.

“Have you lost your goddamn mind?” I roar, my voice echoing off the walls. “You could’ve been killed! Do you even understand the shit that went through my head when I realized you were gone? And on top of that, you made me a promise, Kat. A promise you broke almost immediately. For what? A fucking errand?”

She sighs, exasperated, like I’m the unreasonable one here. “I get why you’re upset, Nik. I do. But I was fine. I knew I’d be fine. I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily. You’ve got enough to deal with right now. I’m sorry I upset you—I really am. I just figured I’d be back before you even noticed I was gone.”

“That doesn’t make it okay!” My voice rises as my anger boils over. “You went behind my back. You lied . And for what? Tell me what was so urgent, so important, that you couldn’t wait or even bother to let me know!”

Her eyes narrow, the flicker of defiance in them stoking my temper. “If you must know, it was important,” she snaps, her voice like ice. “I didn’t mean to upset you, but let’s get something straight—I don’t need your permission to leave, Nik. I appreciate your concern for my safety, and I’ll consider it in the future, but don’t confuse that with thinking you own me.”

I step closer, barely restraining myself from shouting in her face. “You did not just fucking say that to me. You promised me, Kat. You said you wouldn’t leave.”

She raises an eyebrow, her eyes sharp as a knife. “Actually, I didn’t. What I said was that I’d keep your request in mind. I did promise to stay out of trouble and be safe, which I did—whether or not you believe me. Now, Dmitri”—she turns her attention away from me like I’m no longer worth her time—“since Nik’s too busy throwing a tantrum to fill me in, care to tell me what Connor had to say?”

“Dmitri,” I snap, “don’t you dare answer her. Get Connor out of here. Now.”

She rolls her eyes, her frustration barely masked. “Oh, come on, Nik. Don’t be like this. Dmitri, you know I’m in this just as much as anyone else. I deserve to know. What did Connor say?”

Dmitri’s gaze flicks between us, and I can practically see the gears turning in his head. I expect him to side with me—his pakhan , the man who’s been like a brother to him since he was a boy.

And then, the insubordinate idiot opens his mouth.

With a shrug that makes my blood boil, Dmitri spills everything Connor just told us. Kat listens intently, her eyes lighting up with every detail, while I can feel my temper snapping thread by thread. When he’s done, Dmitri glances at me, the gall of his apologetic look almost sending me over the edge. “Sorry, Nik. I’ll get Connor out of here now. Vlad, let’s go.”

“Get the fuck out of my sight,” I bite out.

The door clicks shut behind them, and Kat immediately spins to face me, her excitement bubbling over. “Nik, this changes everything!” she says, practically vibrating with energy. “Right? You have to agree with me now—maybe McGuire isn’t behind this. There’s no need to rush into war.”

I can barely think over the rage simmering under my skin. “This changes nothing,” I snap. “Of course Connor would say McGuire didn’t do it. He’d say anything to save his boss. How many times do I have to tell you? McGuire killed Maxim. An absurd story doesn’t change that. And it doesn’t even matter. McGuire attacked you, Kat. In broad daylight. That’s an act of war.”

Her excitement falters, her face crumpling with disappointment. “How can you say that? You're angry—you’re not thinking straight.”

I step closer, grabbing her shoulders, my voice trembling with fury and something far more vulnerable. “You’re not listening to me. And none of this matters right now. What matters is you lied to me. You left me. Do you have any idea what went through my head when I realized you were gone? Connor’s orders were to take you, Kat. Do you even realize what that means? Do you have any idea what it would do to me if McGuire got to you? You left me, Kat. If I lost you—” My voice catches, and I swallow hard, barely keeping it together. “If I lost you… I couldn’t… I wouldn’t fucking survive it.”

Her defiance melts completely as she steps closer, her hands cupping my face. Her touch is warm, grounding, but it doesn’t even begin to douse the fire burning inside me. “Baby, I’m so sorry,” she whispers, her voice trembling with emotion. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You made me look like a fool in front of my men. You undermined me and endangered our plan to catch McGuire. You. Left. Me . You put yourself in danger. You betrayed my trust and you disobeyed me, Kat. And I can’t shake the feeling you did it just to prove you could.”

Her face hardens, ice replacing the softness in her eyes. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me make one thing clear: You don’t own me. And I don’t owe you obedience. I had a damn good reason for what I did today. I did it for us . Right now, you need to trust me to come back to you. I’ll tell you everything as soon as I can—when it’s safe.”

“Tell me now.” My voice is sharp, burning its way up my throat. “Tell me everything. Make me understand. Help me trust you.”

“I can’t,” she whispers, her voice cracking like glass between us. “I’m sorry, but I can’t. Not yet. For your own good. Because I can’t live without you any more than you can live without me. But if you’d reconsider this ridiculous idea to kill McGuire or die trying?—”

I cut her off, my patience snapping. “I told you—we’re done talking about that. You want my trust? Then give me yours. Stop with the secrets. You’re making this harder than it has to be.”

She shakes her head, disbelief flickering in her teary eyes. “And you’re breaking my heart.”

The weight of her words hits me like a hammer, and for a moment, I falter. I hate this—hate the distance growing between us with every passing second. The last thing I want is to hurt her. Everything I’ve done has been for the right reasons. Can she say the same? If her reasons were so good, why hide them from me?

“After everything, why can’t you just trust me?” Her voice wavers, and she wipes her cheek with the back of her hand.

I stare at her, my chest tight. “I didn’t think trusting you would feel like this. Like it’s a test I'm doomed to fail.”

Her lips press into a tight line. “That’s the thing about trust, Nik. It always involves risk. You just have to decide if I’m worth it.”

Her words are like a knife in my heart, and I flinch. How did we get here? Hours ago, she was wrapped around me, calling me— me —her kotyonok . Her kitten . Now, her eyes hold a cold, disappointed edge that makes me feel two inches tall.

“Kat,” I say, reaching for her hand. “I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you. Believe me, I want nothing more than to see you happy. You know there are things I can’t change about myself or my life, but I’ll do everything I can to make you happy with our life together. With me. But I need you to understand—keeping you safe will always come first. Whether you like it or not, I’ll do what it takes—even if it makes you hate me. I won’t let you, McGuire, or the devil himself stand in my way when it comes to protecting you.”

Her face falls, the disappointment giving way to fury. Something inside me shatters as she pulls her hand away. Without a word, she spins on her heel and storms out, leaving me standing there, empty and furious all at once.