Chapter 2

• Moscow.
• Dani felt the breath knocked out from her.
• She’d never set foot in Russia, nor knew anyone she could run to even if she managed to escape. Alexei had a build that could easily take her down, if one of his god-knows-how-many lackeys didn’t get to her first.
• Her mind continued to draw a blank. “How the hell did I end up in Moscow?”
• Alexei rose to his full height once more. He had to be at least six feet tall.
• “Too easily, actually. You and your friends were already quite drunk. You were more than happy to take your sixth shot of tequila from a complete stranger.”
• “You slipped a roofie in my drink?” Her jaw dropped as her bound hands curled into fists. “What else have you done to me?”
• Alexei picked the fur off his parka. “I prefer my partners conscious and willing, if that’s what you’re implying. You were knocked out for the entire flight. Cooperative for live cargo, really.”
• Dani bit back a curse and closed her eyes. “I can’t believe this is fucking happening to me.”
• One of Alexei’s lackeys reappeared behind him, wielding a cutter. She eyed the exposed blade, unblinking even as her pulse escalated once more.
• “I know this all seems like one terrible nightmare, but I’ll free your restraints if you cooperate nicely. What do you say?”
• Dani wanted nothing more than to tell him to go to hell. Alexei chuckled, as if he could read her mind. He nodded to the man behind him, who then knelt before Dani.
• Alexei took out a smartphone from his pocket. “I’m about to call your father. If you behave, I’ll let you talk to him for a bit.”
• She eyed the phone long and hard. “I promise.”
• His full lips curved into a knowing smile. “Good girl.”
• He dialed a number and set it on loudspeaker. The ringing echoed in the dark, empty room, and Dani’s chest tightened with every ring. She intently followed Alexei with her eyes as he walked around with his hands in his pockets, waiting for the line to pick up. The other man at her feet was already cutting the cable tie on her left ankle.
• Tommy De Luca’s voice finally came loud and clear. “Hello?”
• Tears stung the back of Dani’s eyes at the sound of her father’s words.
• Alexei stopped pacing. “Hello, Mr. De Luca.”
• “Who is this?”
• “It’s Alexei Nikolin, Andrei Nikolin’s son. It must be a lovely afternoon in New York right now.”
• Dani clamped her trembling lips shut, even as she felt the last cable tie released from her wrists. She wanted to scream for her father’s attention, but Alexei’s long, hard look at her face was enough warning to keep her silent and still.
• “Ah, yes. Alexei, was it?” Her father cleared his throat. “I’m afraid this isn’t a good time.”
• “Just reminding you to settle your bill, sir.” Alexei moved towards Dani, stopping only an arm’s breadth away. He brought a shushing finger to his lips as his eyes—a mesmerizing ice blue up close—twinkled with mischief. “I understand you must be preoccupied right now, looking for your daughter and all.”
• “How did you—” The shocked whisper turned to hissing rage. “If you have any information about my daughter’s whereabouts, you better tell me or your ten million dollars won’t be your only problem.”
• Slowly, Alexei lowered the finger from his mouth. He knowingly raised his eyebrows at her before nearing the phone to her lips.
• Her eyes began to well with unshed tears. Frustration clawed up her throat until Alexei gave her a nod and a gaze that said, Choose your words wisely.
• “Dad…?”
• “Dani…?!” her father exclaimed. “Oh my God, are you alright?! Where are you? Have they hurt you or—”
• “I’m fine, Dad. I’m in Moscow right now.” Funny how she was trying to sound like the calm one.
• “Moscow…? Fuck.” Her father released a heavy sigh. “Listen, baby. Don’t worry, okay? I’ll get you out of there in no time.”
• She opened her mouth to speak, but Alexei had already retracted the phone from her. He raised a finger to her face, warning her to say no more.
• “How soon is in no time, Mr. De Luca?” Alexei turned his back on her. “Ten million dollars in ten days. How does that sound?”
• “Ten days?” her father stammered. “I need more time than that, Nikolin. It’s not easy coming up with that amount so quickly.”
• “Not my problem, Mr. De Luca. I’m not here to play babysitter to your daughter.”
• Dani was more than aware of the man standing guard behind her should she attempt to charge after Alexei’s exposed back. She could only grip the blanket wrapped around her—the sole thing providing comfort in this newfound shit storm.
• “Okay, okay. I’ll get you the money,” came her father’s strained voice on the other line. “Just… please don’t hurt my daughter.”
• “I give you my word so long as you keep yours,” Alexei replied. “Ten days, Mr. De Luca.”
• Alexei ended the call before her father could say anything more. He turned around and faced her again, straightening his coat. “Well, since that’s out of the way, shall we go?”
• Dani rubbed her sore wrists in confusion. “Go where?”
• “Somewhere warmer? Unless you prefer to stay here, of course.”
• One of the suited guards moved closer to Dani’s chair. She gripped the blanket tighter around herself.
• “Come along now, Miss De Luca.” Alexei walked ahead as his voice bounced off the walls. “Do you really wish to be manhandled on the way out?”
• She rose from her seat and eyed his back with a glare.