Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 92957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 465(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92957 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 465(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
And yet… this all feels familiar, just like it did before. The shift from lighthearted memories to being on guard, ready to protect each other, doesn’t exactly catch me off guard. It’s second nature now and hints at a past I can’t remember in detail, but one that’s not very dissimilar to the present.
Yana speaks first. “They’re here for us, Rafail.” She’s on her feet, her phone in her hand. “The Popov family is here for you.” Her eyes go straight to his. “And they’re looking for you.”
Chapter 21
RAFAIL
My first step is to make sure Anissa’s safe. She follows me with wide eyes, but she doesn’t look surprised or anxious. No. A sudden turn of events isn’t outside her experience at all. She’s ready for my command, which could range from anything to duck for cover under the table or catch the Glock 19 that I bought her midair and take a stance at the door.
She knows.
There’s more to Anissa than I’ve thought, and I aim to find out what.
The door to the small room we’re renting flies open, Rodion and Semyon in the lead. Behind them, Popov walks in alone. He stands tall with a lean, athletic build and an air of authority that makes most men cower. Most men. Not me.
He meets my gaze. “I need a word, Kopolov,” he snarls as if he’s barely holding onto his temper. He’s cold and merciless, a force to be reckoned with in the Russian underworld. Anissa’s eyes are comically wide as she stares, hidden behind me.
I grin at him and clap him on the back. “Jesus, it’s good to see you, brother.”
Popov grins back at me. “As it is you. I’ve heard you have someone to introduce me to.”
I pull Anissa out from behind me proudly, my hand on her lower back. “Anissa, meet Roman Popov, eldest of the Popov family just north of Moscow. He likes to make a dramatic entrance.”
“So it’s true,” he says as if to himself. “I needed to see it with my own eyes.” Popov is well schooled in the art of a poker face, but even he can’t help the brief look of shock he quickly hides. His lips brush Anissa’s knuckles so briefly, I almost keep my temper fully in check when his wicked eyes glint at me.
“Welcome, Anissa. It would take a strong woman to withstand the likes of this motherfucker.”
I grunt at him and pull out a chair. “Join us? We were about to have dessert.”
Rodion and Semyon stand guard by the door. “He didn’t come alone, brother,” Semyon says quietly.
“I didn’t,” Popov continues as he declines my invitation to sit. “I came directly to you with news that will impact all of us. May I speak with you in private? I’m sorry for the drama.” He blows out a breath. “It cannot wait.”
Everyone’s eyes are on me. “Of course,” I say, reluctant to leave Anissa, but before I can say a word, both Rodion and Semyon step to the table. I meet both of their eyes and know what they vow—protection for all, no matter the cost.
“We are safe for a little while,” Popov says. For a split second, I swear his eyes go to my sisters—but it’s Zoya who flushes pink and turns away. “You have my word; your family is safe, even your sisters… for now.”
I don’t miss the ominous tone as we step into a vacant hallway between the dining rooms and the restrooms.
“What is it?”
He doesn’t waste any time. "Manuel Soloto, head of a cartel organization in Colombia. He's after a woman by the name of Polina Romanova.” Popov’s eyes hold mine. “Does that name mean anything to you?”
Again, a feeling of dread builds in my stomach. I shake my head. “All I know is she’s the missing sister of the Romanov family.”
“Yes. And when I heard the news, I thought nothing of it. Not until I went to get a cup of coffee and met the Romanov brothers in person.” He shakes his head. “There are a few things you need to know. First, the Romanov brothers are a force of nature—six men, well-armed and ruthless, each one prepared to fight to the death.” I shake my head. What does this have to do with me?
Popov continues. “Second, they’re here because they sent their sister to Moscow in an effort to protect her from Soloto. Soloto has an axe to grind, and she’s on his radar.”
I listen, my heart beating faster before I even hear the rest of what he has to say. “Third…” He swallows hard. “Your new wife has an uncanny resemblance to the Romanov sister, Polina.”
I stare, disbelieving. It can’t be true… can it? How?
“Show me.” My voice is hoarse as he pulls out his phone and shows me a picture.
I stare at the woman in front of me—pale, porcelain skin. Eyes as blue as a spring day. Blonde, nearly white hair that hangs to her waist, and a ready smile I know all too well because I carry it with me wherever I go.