Mikhail
My body reacts before my mind can process what’s happening. Instinctively, I lunge toward Maria, shielding her against the SUV. Glass shatters around us, showering the interior with shards as Pavel covers his face.
“Maria, stay down!” I shout, scrambling to move Maria around the SUV and away from the bullets. Despite the outburst of chaos, one thought remains clear in my mind. I will not let anything happen to her. “What are you doing here?”
Maria cries out, her eyes wide with terror as she clings to me, trembling. “Mikhail, you weren’t answering your phone. I had to find you.”
I try to open the door, but a bullet strikes the metal from behind us. Fuck! We’re surrounded.
Taking a deep breath, I shield her and assess the situation. The building will offer some cover, but moving across the open ground is risky. We need to shoot back and buy ourselves time. My hand reaches for the Glock tucked into my waistband, and my fingers wrap around the cold, familiar metal.
I shoot into the darkness behind us, and Pavel and Anton follow my lead. Maria cowers beside the car, and I realize that she’s innocent.
She wouldn’t be this terrified if she had planned this.
The gunshots cease, but when I reach for the door, a bullet strikes the metal again and stops me. Whoever is out there doesn’t want me to leave with Maria.
“Maria, listen to me,” I say firmly, locking eyes with her. “I need you to trust me. On my signal, we’re going to make a break for the building and find shelter until backup arrives. Stay low, and don’t stop until you’re inside.”
Fear flickers in her eyes, but Maria nods, steeling herself for what’s to come.
“Ready?” I ask, and she clenches her jaw, nodding again. It’s now or never. “Go!”
We sprint toward the building as I unleash a torrent of bullets at the unseen assailants. The deafening roar of gunfire fills the air. “Keep moving!” I shout, pushing her forward, our legs pumping furiously as we race toward the metal door.
“Inside, now!” I command, shoving Maria through the door and following closely behind. As we stumble into the darkness, gasping for breath, I know one thing for certain-I can trust her.
The door slams shut behind us, plunging us into near darkness. Odd beams of light intersect the shadowy floor. My ears ring from the gunfire, and my heart hammers in my chest. Maria leans against a stack of boxes and breathes in ragged gasps. My gaze passes over her body, quickly checking for blood.
“Are you hurt?” I ask, my voice urgent as I reach for her and pull her close.
She shakes her head, tears streaming down her face. “Mikhail … I have to tell you something.”
“Shh,” I cut her off, straining to listen for sounds in the dark corners. I can hear the blood pounding in my ears, but nothing else. We’re safe, but not for long.
“Is your father here, Maria?” I grip her arms too tightly, my fingers digging into her skin. “Tell me.”
“I don’t know,” she whispers. “But he must be, or I’d be dead. I have to tell you something.” She takes a deep breath, willing the tears to stop. “It has nothing to do with my father.”
“Not now,” I whisper, pulling her body against mine. My fingers clutch her thick hair. “I’m sorry for not believing you. I’m so sorry. I won’t let anything happen to you, Maria.”
“Mikhail,” she whispers.
But we don’t have time for any more confessions. Gunfire resumes outside the window. I pull Maria through the dark building, her legs moving fast to keep up with mine. We run through the warehouse, and every sound is amplified in the dark. I search for an exit, knowing it’s too dangerous to stay here.
“There!” Maria whispers, pointing to a door.
I stop too quickly, and she crashes into my arms, and though it’s foolish to stop, I hold onto her for a second. We may not have another chance. “It’s going to be okay.” The words feel hollow, even to me. “I promise.”
“Mikhail,” Maria pleads, her voice trembling. “Don’t let Dad take me before I can talk to you.”
“I won’t let him take you,” I whisper urgently, my voice displaying strain.
I suck in my breath and nod, wondering if she’s considered the possibility that Zakhar could be dead already. It’s the only reason why we may still be alive. I look at the ceiling and wonder who was shooting from the building and if they’re watching us now, toying with us. Smirking in the dark, pleased that I will soon be dead.
Maria tugs at my arm as we approach the door. “I have to tell you first. In case I can’t tell you later.”
I turn to face her. “Tell me what?” My voice is impatient, and I instantly regret my harshness as her lip trembles, but then the hairs on the back of my neck rise. I stare into Maria’s eyes, wide and frightened.
“Look out!” she shouts, and I spin around to see the gun pointed at my chest.
Zakhar steps out further from behind a stack of boxes-a clear shot to the heart. His eyes burn with hatred and something else … something calculating that sends a chill down my spine. Like a hunter who’s cornered his prey.
I reach to push Maria out of the way, leaving my Glock in my waistband.
“Daddy!” Maria screams. “NO!”
Her desperate shriek echoes through the cavernous building and mingles with the sharp report of Zakhar’s gun as she steps in front of me.