Sunday. On the road. VA.HALEY DID HER BEST to not let on to the fact she was sweating bullets. They'd taken the Kevlar vest she'd thrown on over her clothes, her guns and the knife she'd concealed in her sports bra. Thankfully, she'd fallen asleep still dressed, otherwise who knew what she'd be wearing for this unwanted adventure. Her eyes were gritty from the tears she'd shed, a fact that irritated her more than being caught. It shouldn't, but there it was. Her heart was distracting her from the very real facts of their situation.Konstantin's life rested on his father-the man he hated most-coming to his rescue.What kind of crazy was Natasha that she thought this would work?Haley tugged at the bonds securing her wrists and ankles to the front passenger seat. For a couple thugs, they'd restrained her pretty damn well. She could just barely lean against the seatback with her hands fully extended in front of her. It was not comfortable, but better than being in the trunk or

Sunday. Rose House. Arlington, VA.TASHA STARED AT HER reflection. The skin around her eyes was a little darker from lack of sleep, but otherwise she didn't appear to have suffered any ill effects from being out most of the night. She'd never been much for late night activities, and even less so the older she got.She'd used every cream and procedure she could afford to preserve her youthful appearance as best she could. While she was as vain as any other woman, her looks were also a weapon.Her first use had been against Leonid Titov, and she'd been far more successful than she could have dreamed. She'd set out to snag a powerful admirer and wound in the role of his wife. Though if it weren't for that, she wouldn't be where she was now.Men underestimated beautiful women. She'd used that fact over the years until she was finally where she belonged, at the top of the food chain.Footsteps hurried down the hall.Nikolai, no doubt.She rolled her eyes and tied the sash o

If Konstantin had ever imagined hell, it was this. The people he cared about most in trouble, and him powerless.The three of them made their way up the stairs. Haley crouched on the top landing with her ear to the door and one hand up.If he had to take a bullet or stay behind to let the women and Zasha get free, he'd do it. In a heartbeat.Haley opened the door so slowly that the creak was barely audible. She leaned out, then waved at them to follow.Konstantin and Ivana joined Haley in the hall while she closed the door with just as much care as she'd used opening it.They collectively held their breath as the door shut.So far, so good. Now the risks began.Konstantin didn't think he could take Ivana with him through the house. She needed somewhere she could hole up, wait for them."Meet back here," Haley whispered.Konstantin peered into the kitchen. He didn't see anyone, but the door to the pantry was open. The large and barely used pantry.He took Ivana's han

Haley opened the closet door a crack and peered in. Zasha sat in the corner, legs pulled up to her chest, eyes wide."Zasha?"Zasha just stared at her."Can I come in?""Are you okay?" Zasha whispered."I'm fine. See?" Haley slipped into the closet and held her hands out.Zasha pushed up and threw herself at Haley, hugging her even tighter than before."You did very good." Haley gave in and kissed the top of Zasha's head. "I know you have questions, but I need you to come with me now, okay?"Zasha nodded."And I want you to close your eyes. Can you do that?""Yes." Zasha shut her eyes.Part of Haley hated this. Their collective goal had always been to protect Zasha from this sort of thing, and now here she was, fully in it."Come on. Hold my hand and close your eyes."Zasha took Haley's hand then tipped her chin up, eyes shut."Very good. Follow me."Haley held her breath and opened the closet door.The older man just watched. He didn't make a sound or s

Konstantin swallowed. For some reason that statement got to him."What do we do?" he asked."I think, tonight, we get some rest. Shower. Change our clothes. Focus on Zasha. In the morning we might have more options or better ideas."Konstantin nodded. Tonight Zasha had heard, and maybe seen, Haley shoot a man. She'd definitely seen him punch another person. There would be questions and talks he wasn't looking forward to. This was the world he'd wanted to protect her from.He'd failed as a parent."Hey?" Haley reached over and took his hand. "Stop beating yourself up. Now. I mean it. This is not on you."For a moment he just looked at her and concentrated on the feel of her hand in his. "How do you do that? Know what I'm thinking?""Every now and then you make it easy on me." She smiled. "How about you take a shower, clear your head then check in on Zasha?""What are you going to do?""Check in on Zasha." She squeezed his hand, then let go.He missed the contact imme