“I’m good,” I say. “Though I’d have felt better going into that knowing the leverage you had over Santo. But he’ll do it. He’ll take care of Simonov and take his territory and operations as his own.”
“Maybe coexist is right,” Demyan mutters, as close to a thank-you as he can manage in the moment.
“We can concentrate on getting that fucker Melor, and then I’m a free man.” I sit back as the driver heads back to the hospital.
“Free’s not the way I’d put it.”
“Ass.”
“Moron.”
I smile. I feel good about this suddenly, like it’s going to all work out.
I pull out my phone to call Alina, but my smile freezes. “Demyan, I’ve got a bunch of missed calls from Erin.”
“Me, too.”
My stomach twists.
He calls her back, and before he can speak, he shuts his mouth and goes still. When he hangs up, he turns to me.
“What is it?” I demand.
His expression is grave, haunted, and my heart plummets.
“Alina’s missing.”
Chapter Thirty-One
ALINA
I don’t knowwhere Melor went after saying hello like some creep.
Sitting up on the bed, I listen, but I can’t really hear anything, even if my ears keep tricking me with distant barks that aren’t there.
I don’t want Albert here. I don’t want his little life threatened. Just like I don’t want my baby’s life threatened.
That’s the thing. If I could somehow transport the tiny blob out of me to somewhere safe, where it could grow and live, I’d do that. I’d gladly lay down my life to protect everyone I love.
But I can’t.
And I hate it.
I hate Melor.
I hate the cute orderly, too.
Not an orderly, I remind myself.An underling of Melor’s.
How long has it been since they wheeled me up here and handcuffed me to the railing?
Thing is, I don’t know. It could be minutes or hours.
And I can’t get free.
I’ve tried.
A small sob breaks free, and I cover my mouth with my free hand, willing myself not to cry. Not to make a sound.
