Persuasion

by Stone, Piper

  As he began to laugh, I reared back, echoes and images of Katina and Giliana running swiftly through my mind. The bastard had played me well, the one who’d betrayed me a man I’d believed was my friend, the only one who’d ever heard about Katina. Everything was a blur. All the dreams I’d had as a boy. All the conversations shared with a man I thought I could trust. All the times he’d heard me talk about a family. There was no recourse, no turning back. I yanked the Glock from my holster, placing the barrel to his temple. “You will die.”

  “Too late, Kostya Visiliev. I died the day my daughter was murdered. Now, you will live with the same anguish of losing the woman you adored.”

  Pop!

  I didn’t wait for the crumple of his body, racing out of the room and down the hallway. When I reached the door, I merely kicked it in.

  “Giliana! No!”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Kostya

  Death.

  It had loomed over me my entire life, the noose tightening more with every assassination. The loss of Katina had hardened me, enough so I’d been able to perform my job as required, even though I lived in my own private hell every day. I’d become less of a man, one dependent on the kind of stimulus that held no meaning. I’d learned a few things in the past week.

  Passion was real.

  Love was vital.

  Death was merely an ugly reminder that monsters did exist.

  There were no sounds as I burst into the room, except those of my raggedly beating heart. All time had stopped, yet I managed to drop to the floor, cradling Giliana in my arms. As blood began to seep through my fingers, I threw my head back and roared.

  “No! No!” Every emotion reared its ugly head, sweeping into my heart and soul in the same violent manner as her life slipped toward a dangerous precipice.

  Visions rushed into my mind from the passion shared; her beautiful shimmering face as she experienced the throes of passion, the way she looked as she’d attempted to cover her breasts, and the intensity of her eyes as she’d looked into mine.

  I could almost feel her body wrapped around mine, her lips when she’d brushed them across my heated skin. And the sound of her laughter—enchanting even as it kept my cock hard and my balls tight as drums.

  A chill swept through me as the realization of the hatred Pavel had felt slithered into my mind.

  And the love of my life had been meant to pay the ultimate price for my sins. Shaking, I attempted to calm my breathing as I held her, willing her to survive.

  “What happened?” Dante asked as he rushed into the room.

  “Viktor,” I snarled. “Call an ambulance. Now!”

  As I eased her to the floor gently, I searched for signs of a pulse. She was alive, but barely, her breathing shallow. She was so pale, so cold. Rage remained just under the surface, the need for revenge one that could not be denied.

  “Mmm...” Her eyelids fluttered as the single murmur dragged me out of my desire to hunt down the fucking asshole.

  “Baby. It’s going to be all right. The ambulance is on the way.” I pulled her hand to my face, interlocking our fingers. “You have to hold on for me. I need you. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you.”

  The slight squeeze of her hand was another tug at my heart. She deserved to be with a man who could protect her, one who was honest and decent, instead of a monster. I slipped my arm under her once again, rocking her back and forth as I kissed her knuckles.

  “I promise you that I will become a better man. For you. For us. I’m going to give you the best life because I love you. I love everything about you, sweet and beautiful Giliana. I adore your laugh and the way you defy me no matter what I ask. I love the way you dance and the incredulous looks you toss my way. Just hold on for me.” While I meant every word, vile and ugly thoughts continued to claw at my mind.

  Even as I made her the promise, a portion of me knew what had to be done in order to end this nightmare.

  I would hunt down the bastard who fired the shot through the window and I would enjoy every second of killing him.

  Every. Fucking. Second.

  Her breathing becoming shallower, I closed my eyes and for the first time since I’d been very young, I said a prayer.

  My mother had once told me that when a man found the love of his life, nothing could stand in the way of them being together, including the frigid claws of death.

  For all her foibles and bad choices, the horrors I’d been forced to experience because of her ridiculous decision to love a particular man, I could only pray that this time, my mother was right.

  As several people entered the room, I hesitated in letting her go.

  “Kostya. She’ll be in good hands. Come on,” Dante encouraged as he gripped my shoulder.

  A snarl erupted from my lips, the adrenaline rush crushing down like a weight. “I’m going with her.”

  Dante gave me a nod of respect as the EMTs pulled the gurney into the room. Leaning over, I kissed her lips, whispering softly, “Everything is going to be all right.”

  I struggled to my feet, watching the two women do their jobs, speaking in Italian as they surveyed her injury. I knew enough about gunshot wounds to know the wound could be mortal. As they prepared an IV before gingerly placing her onto the gurney, I turned toward Dante, moving closer so only he could hear.

  “Whatever happens, Viktor is mine. I want the rest rounded up. Do you understand?”

  His gaze was steady, lasting a few seconds too long but to his credit, he didn’t attempt to usurp my command. “I’ll see that it happens. My soldiers are already looking for the shooter. If Viktor surfaces, I’ll let you know immediately. I’ll have one of my men drop one of my cars off at the hospital.”

  “You do that.”

  Dante patted my shoulder and turned halfway only to shift back in order to face me. “You have a chance at a new life, my friend. I can help make you disappear. Take my advice and don’t allow the need for revenge to get in the way.”

  There was nothing I could say.

  After all, I wasn’t a good man.

  “I’ll come by the hospital,” he finally said before walking out.

  I trailed behind the EMTs as they hurried through the house. As I passed by Dante’s office, I glanced inside, half smiling seeing Pavel’s cold, dead body. The bastard got what he deserved.

  * * *

  Footsteps.

  All I could concentrate on were the hurried steps of doctors and nurses as they rushed by, working on several emergencies. The sound was damning, gnawing at my gut. I could even see their reflections in the afternoon sun, their pinched faces as they attempted to save lives. I admired and respected every one of them, the duties they were forced to perform often tragic.

  I stood staring out the oversized window at a nondescript parking lot, unable to put the day into full perspective. The bitter taste in my mouth had nothing to do with the stale coffee or the continued odor of her life’s blood staining my shirt. The vile flavor was laced with anger and sadness. Even the hint of her exotic perfume still filling my nostrils was unable to take away the nasty tang.

  As a figure approached, I tensed, no desire to spew my sorrows with anyone.

  “Any news?” Dante asked quietly as he flanked my side, merely keeping his eyes locked on the same view I had.

  “She’s in surgery.”

  “This is an excellent hospital.”

  “She lost a lot of blood, too much.”

  He casually gave me a look, his exhale just as scattered as my heavy breathing. “She’s in good hands, Kostya. You must have faith.”

  “Faith is something I don’t have. It’s never served me well.”

  “You have more faith than you realize, my friend. You have the belief in love and the need for honesty. You also have integrity. All three are hard to come by these days.”

  His words were genuine. They were also biting to a man who’d spent his entire life doing the wrong thing. Maybe it was time to reevaluate m
y entire existence.

  “This is all my fault,” I whispered, although in my mind I knew I was issuing the chastising words to myself.

  “No, it’s not. You’re going to have to learn to forgive yourself or those demons inside of you will be your ultimate demise.”

  I chuckled softly, remembering the words Giliana had spoken. Maybe they were both right.

  “Mr. Visiliev?”

  As I turned toward the doctor just as he was tugging off his surgical cap, I could see the strain on his face, the sadness in his eyes. I realized at that very moment that I wasn’t prepared to lose her.

  That I would die in order to protect her.

  That I would kill any human who attempted to take her away.

  Dante gave me a sorrowful look as well as a nod of encouragement before I walked closer.

  “Yes. How is she?”

  “She lost a significant amount of blood, the bullet nicking a major artery,” the doctor said then paused. He glanced from Dante to me, his eyes falling to my blood-soaked shirt. While there was no recognition of who I was, I had the distinct feeling he knew exactly the kind of profession I was in, a moment of fear glimmering in his eyes. “But fortunately, it missed her heart. One inch to the left and there would have been nothing I could do.”

  Dante’s grip on my shoulder was firm, his exclamation in Italian allowing me a slight smile.

  Faith will set you free.

  Whether or not I could buy the saying didn’t matter at this moment. She was alive. My Giliana had been spared.

  “Her vitals are very strong, so I anticipate a full recovery. She’s a very lucky girl.” The doctor finally smiled, his eyes now expressing the once-missing confidence.

  “Can I see her?” I didn’t care what the answer would be. I was going to make certain she was all right.

  “Only for a few minutes. She’s been through an ordeal and needs her rest. She’s in recovery room number four.”

  “Thank you, Doctor, for all you do.”

  He seemed surprised that a man who bartered with life on a regular basis would take the time to thank him. “You’re welcome.”

  This time the sound of footsteps was comforting.

  “I have news on Viktor,” Dante offered.

  As I turned to face Dante, I noticed he had a slip of paper in his head.

  “You’ll find him here, if that’s what you want to do.” Dante kept his voice low as he waited for me to slide the note into my pocket. “I have soldiers stationed outside the hospital. No one will be able to get to her.”

  “Thank you. For everything.” As I walked away, I could feel his heated gaze remaining. Even he knew I was a shell of a man.

  The beeps and blips from the various machines were another reminder that life was precious. She seemed tiny lying in the massive hospital bed, her arm hooked up to lifesaving fluids. I found it difficult to walk closer, perhaps because I knew that admitting how close she’d come to death would force a change in my life.

  As I pulled the chair closer, easing down on the edge, I took her hand into mine. The icy chill had disappeared, replaced with a warmth indicating hope.

  Was there really such a thing?

  I lowered my head, grateful for the moments I could share with her. At least she was resting comfortably.

  “A man in deep thought is a man to be feared,” Giliana whispered, her voice husky from the surgery.

  I lifted my head, unable to keep the grin off my face. “You think so, huh?”

  “Especially with you.” She offered a slight smile as she squeezed my hand. “I knew you were there. I felt you. My... savior.”

  “I’m no one’s savior, baby, but I will do my best.”

  “Mmm... Hmmm...” Her eyes closed once again, her grip softening, yet the machines continued to beep at a regular pace. She was merely falling asleep.

  As I stood over her, kissing her knuckles as I’d done before, I was forced to fall into the realm of being an assassin. This bullshit had to be finished.

  Today.

  “I’ll be back, baby. Just rest.” My heart was heavy as I walked away, but what I was about to do had to be done.

  “Be... careful,” she whispered, “be-cause... I... love... you...”

  Love.

  I didn’t deserve her love on any level, but it just might be my salvation.

  * * *

  I stood in the shadows of the bar, watching as he enjoyed his second shot of vodka since I’d walked in. There was no debate about my decision or the ramifications that might occur because of it. Yet I stood enjoying a drink as I studied the absolute animal. Perhaps my need to watch the monster finish out his last moments spent on this Earth was twisted as fuck, but I honestly didn’t give a shit.

  The rotgut scotch in front of me was entirely unusual, but the slight burn hitting the back of my throat was exactly what I needed in order to fulfill my obligations.

  At least the ones to myself.

  Viktor seemed to be enjoying himself, watching soccer on the television as he tossed back the shot, sliding the glass toward the bartender.

  Be careful.

  Giliana’s words remained in the forefront of my mind. I was a man with no real identity, no place to call home, but I would do as she requested.

  When he slid off the barstool, heading for the hallway toward the restrooms, I eased away from the table, taking my time before moving any closer. I’d already attached the silencer. There was no need to disturb the few people trying to drown their sorrows.

  Or their sins.

  As I walked inside, I simply leaned against the counter, pulling the weapon into my hand.

  What struck me as he walked out of the stall was the calm manner in which he acknowledged my presence, even heading toward the sink in order to wash his hands. He knew exactly why I was here.

  As I placed the gun to his temple, he stared at me in the mirror. For split second, I hesitated, debating my actions.

  Until he smiled, a laugh churning up from his gut.

  Pop!

  As I walked out of the bathroom, I realized I had no remorse.

  Only a sense of satisfaction.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Kostya

  One week later

  Change.

  The word was more difficult for me than I wanted to admit. The past few days had been trying, challenging in ways I hadn’t anticipated, even with my extensive training. I’d realized the moment I saw the picture of Katina in the rain that her father had to be behind the betrayal. What I didn’t know is how he could have figured out that I’d had a relationship with his daughter.

  Until Pavel had opened his mouth, gloating over the fact he’d planned such an extensive operation to not only ruin my reputation, but also destroy what was left of my soul. He’d almost succeeded.

  Seeing Giliana lying in a pool of blood had been the very moment I realized I could no longer be the same man I’d been, that my ways had to change. However, there were a few loose ends that required my expertise. Whatever the future held would depend on Giliana. I refused to push her any longer past her comfort point.

  As I’d held her frail body in my arms on the day of the shooting, I’d made a promise to her, as well as to the angry young man buried inside of me, that I would become a better man. Keeping that promise would mean heartache and strife, the loss of income. Although what the hell did money matter if I didn’t have someone by my side to share it with?

  My trust of Dante had paid off, my pointed words said in the hallway opening his eyes to certain possibilities. He’d discovered lingering details of the cover-up designed and implemented by Pavel during the course of several months. My belief in the man who’d practically raised me had almost gotten the woman I loved killed.

  I’d heard the saying, ‘by the grace of God,’ although I’d never understood the meaning until the evening after her surgery. She was alive if for no other reason than a miscalculated shot. I still had to give Pavel credit. Including Viktor,
the man who’d actually killed his daughter in his personal plan of revenge had been brilliant. All Viktor knew was that he had the opportunity to take out his nemesis, the man who’d allowed him to be arrested.

  When I’d found Viktor mere hours later hiding in a dingy bar in a quaint little town near Dante’s estate, he’d realized quickly enough he also had a price on his head. Pavel had full intent of cleaning up every loose end. While Viktor’s death had been swift, I’d taken no joy in killing him.

  As far as Andon, I would deal with him later.

  What had been interesting as Dante and I cleaned up the majority of loose ends was Mikhail’s position in the ruse. While my initial desire had been to send soldiers to eliminate him, I’d been unable to act on my decision. He would have his hands full since Pavel had been assassinated. However, he and I would meet again one day.

  Maybe I no longer had the taste for blood.

  With a single exception.

  I reached out, taking Giliana’s hand, rubbing my fingers across her chilly skin. She’d asked only a few questions during her recovery, but I’d seen everything I needed to know in her soulful eyes.

  She remained terrified of the monster.

  I glanced out the window, dispassionate about what I was about to do. What I’d learned a long time ago was that having empathy for an enemy would always come back to bite. Another harsh lesson taught by Pavel early on.

  I’d begun to question everything he’d taught me.

  She was quiet, far too much so, embroiled in her own thoughts, the demons that plagued her. I only hoped I could help take them away.

  In time.

  I glanced up at the driver, thankful that Dante had reached out to his contacts, including the Italian family who owned the diamond. They’d reconfirmed their employee’s capabilities as well as his loyalty. And they’d offered their help in any manner.

  Help. I almost chuckled at the thought. They were still out for blood.