Series: The Circle of Monsters Series by Sam Crescent
Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 210(@200wpm)___ 168(@250wpm)___ 140(@300wpm)
“What is this? Blackmail?”
“I’m not interested in your money, your property, or your bitches.” Viko jutted his chin and someone behind her began unfastening her hands. She brought her arms to her lap and rubbed her wrists.
Galen rushed over to her, pulling her up to her feet and into his protective embrace. She took a cleansing breath, basking in the safety she felt being near him.
“What, then?”
“I’m not an asshole. I’ll put this all to rest. We go on with our lives, our businesses. I’m sure we all have better things to do. And money to make.” Viko cracked his knuckles. “I just want you to know what I know. Next time you try to fuck with me, pay me with fake cash, assassinate one of my men, or put out hits on my crew, we’ll have a problem, you and I.”
This appeared to startle Petrov. His posture became defensive and he took a step back. “I wouldn’t have killed Seth. It’s not something I planned to do, I’m telling you. He was trying to overthrow you, wanted me to team up with him and cut you out of the picture. That wasn’t something I was willing to do,” Petrov said.
“Then you did us both a favor. Now, it’s late and I have places to be. Are we good?” Viko asked.
“The girl? She’ll be a problem.”
“She’s under our protection, and she knows better,” Viko said. “If you want to worry, worry about me because unlike her, I don’t give a fuck.”
Skye nearly slunk in relief. She was surprised Galen’s boss would vouch for her, not that she planned to run to the cops.
They both shook hands, then Petrov’s entourage followed him out of the building.
Once the last of the cars drove off, Viko turned to Galen. “If you weren’t so good at what you do, I don’t think I’d keep you around.”
“Good thing I’m the best.”
“Let’s wrap this shit up,” Viko shouted. His men began to pack up to leave. “As for you, I’ll have a new contract for you tomorrow. Check the secure server.”
“Back to business as usual?” Galen asked.
Viko looked at her as he spoke to Galen. “Yeah, business as usual. Be careful with your new toy. You’re the only one she has now. My interest has run its course.” He held up his arm to display the thumb drive on his bracelet.
She couldn’t imagine a man like Viko being in a relationship. He was so cold, calculating, and she doubted he was capable of caring about anyone other than himself.
Galen kept quiet as everyone filed out. Slash and Kensington joined the group of men, waving back at them once. They were all part of the group of assassins, and the man she loved was one of them.
She wasn’t sure how long they stood there. It was like watching a movie, and before long they were alone in silence.
Skye expected Petrov to be hiding and waiting. She was so used to running. But it was over.
“What does this mean?” she asked.
His body finally began to relax, and he holstered his weapon. “It means I can give you the white picket fence.”
She wasn’t sure what he was talking about, but it sounded good. Anything that included them being together worked for her.
“No more hiding?”
He raised a brow.
“At least from Petrov?”
“Don’t expect me to trust him. Being cautious has kept me alive this long,” Galen said. “But it means we can be together … if that’s what you want.”
She smiled and cupped his cheek. God, he was handsome. Rough around the edges and absolutely perfect. “Where else would I go?”
“I can get you a place. A condo. Whatever you want. You’re not my prisoner, Skye.”
“You’re not very bright, are you?”
He frowned.
“I could be promised the world and I’d still choose you. I’d live right here if we had no choice. As long as we’re together, no matter where it is, I’ll be happy.”
They held hands and slowly walked to the entrance of the factory.
“I remember how pissed off I was when Viko demanded I babysit you. I was used to being alone, existing, feeling sorry for myself. I didn’t want you changing my life,” he said. “Little did I know it was the best thing to ever happen to me, and for that, I’ll always be indebted to Viko.”
“Well, he saved my life tonight, so I guess I am too.” They made it to the street. It was dark and desolate, no sign of the dozens of men who were just here. “Where will we go?” she asked.
He chuckled, then pushed his fob, illuminating his car in the near distance. “We get to go home.”
“Home. I like the sound of that.”
As they walked to his car, she reflected on everything that had happened during the past week. Most days she didn’t know if she’d survive from one minute to the next. It made going home something beautiful.