Ruthless Bratva King (New York Russian Mafia Kings #1)

47. Elena

47

ELENA

I feel like throwing up. It’s been an hour since he left and I’ve heard nothing. I can’t focus. All I can do is worry, remind myself that he does this for a living.

When I hear the front door unlocking I sprint for it. My heart leaps into my throat as Dmitri steps inside, his broad frame filling the doorway. He’s alive. He’s here.

Relief rushes over me, but it’s quickly replaced by frantic energy as I rush to him and throw my arms around him.

“Where have you been? Is Veronica okay? Why didn’t you call me? Tell me she’s okay.”

“She’s fine,” he says, his voice low and steady. “I’ve moved her to a new location. No one will find her. Not even you. I’ve changed her phone just in case.” He digs into his pocket and tosses a cellphone to me. “New one for you. I’ve put Veronica’s new number into it for her.”

I freeze, trying to process his words. “What happened?”

“Call her and ask her yourself. I need a drink.”

I call Veronica. The line rings three times before she picks up.

“Hello?” Her voice is clear, her tone surprisingly light. “How’s my bestie?”

“Veronica! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she cuts me off, a mix of awe and humor in her voice. “Your husband showed up like some kick ass ninja. Seriously, Elena, you should’ve seen him. These guys were trying to drag me into a van, and he took them out in about ten seconds. One minute, this guy was yelling at me to stop fighting, and the next, he was flat on the ground, clutching his throat.”

I glance over at Dmitri, who’s standing in the shadows of the room, sipping a glass of vodka, watching me with what might be pride on his face.

Veronica continues, her tone colored with awe. “Then he turned to the other two. One had a gun, but Dmitri got it off him, broke his wrist and flipped him into the side of the van like he weighed nothing.”

“And the third guy?” I whisper, my heart pounding.

“Tried to run. Dmitri pulled a knife—didn’t even hesitate. Threw it, and bam! The guy went down, knife in his spine. It was like watching a fucking ninja, seriously. Your husband is one hell of a fighter.”

I sink into the couch, trying to process her words. “And you’re really okay? They didn’t hurt you?”

“Not even close,” she says, a smile in her voice. “Like, I know your husband is dangerous, but seeing it up close?” She exhales. “It’s a whole other level. Lucky he’s on our side.”

I swallow hard. “And you’re safe now?”

“Safe as houses,” Veronica replies, her tone lightening. “He brought me to somewhere no one knows about. He made it clear it’s better I hide for now. But listen, Elena…” Her voice softens. “I get why you’re with him now.”

“What?” I prompt, my throat dry. “Why?”

“I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s one dangerous son of a bitch.”

The words land heavily in my chest. I’m not sure if they’re comforting or terrifying. Probably both.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” I say softly. “I’ll check in with you later?”

“Sure thing. And Elena?” She pauses, her voice growing serious. “Whatever’s going on between you and Dmitri? I retract my suggestion of fuck and run. Don’t let him go. Guys like him don’t come around often. He’ll kill for you. That much is clear.”

I lower the phone to my lap, staring at the screen. Dmitri steps closer, his presence a steadying force, though it only makes my thoughts swirl faster.

“She’s safe,” I whisper.

“I know,” he replies, his tone calm.

But the chaos inside me is anything but calm. My hands shake as I try to reconcile the man who just saved my best friend with ruthless efficiency and the man who stands before me, watching me with those piercing, unreadable eyes.

He steps closer, his gaze softening as he continues. “I’m doing everything I can to keep you safe.”

“But who’s keeping you safe?” My voice breaks, and for a moment, I see the walls around him falter. “What if they’d killed you?”

He lifts a hand to my cheek, his touch gentle, almost reverent. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

But I do. I worry more than I should, more than I’ve let myself admit until now. Because somewhere along the way, this impossible, infuriating, dangerous man has claimed my heart, and now I don’t know what the hell to do about it.