Balkon’s jaw went slack. Then he recovered. “You can’t be sure you’ll win.”

“Sure enough. I chose my best men, and she’s only a woman.”

“What if you’re wrong?” He moistened his lips. “And even if you’re not, I’ve been valuable to you in other ways over the years. No one has been more loyal.” When Volkov didn’t speak, he added quickly, “And you might be bored with the game, but you’ve said a few times that you might have a use for her later. What if we continue with our usual business arrangements, and I just give her to you as a gift for any embarrassment she might have caused you?”

Yes. But Volkov kept his expression impassive. “You’ve always refused to do that before. You said that because she was your daughter, it would look bad to the other families.”

“I’ll find a way around it.”

Volkov pretended to think about it. “If she wins, you’ll still deliver her to me?”

Balkon nodded. “But you’ll have to pay me what you owe me. That’s only fair.”

“Then I can hardly lose, can I?” Volkov took another sip of vodka. “Have I ever told you how I admire the way you’ve kept your Maria in her place all these years? A perfect combination of sex slave and meek servant. Lara might keep me amused indefinitely in that role.” He smiled at him. “How clever you are, my friend. You might have come up with a way to salvage our relationship…”

* * *

Avgar Forest
Third Night

Volkov’s men were still together, Lara realized in frustration. Gregor and Razov were hunting as a pair, and there was no way she could take them down as long as she had to face that double threat. She’d hoped they’d split up to go after her tonight.

Yet she would find a way, she told herself instantly. But not if she allowed herself to lose confidence or let herself be intimidated by the odds. Forget being tired. There was always a way to succeed if she kept her mind clear and fear at a minimum.

“Where are you, bitch?” Razov had stopped on the trail to shout out into the darkness. “We’ll get you tonight. Volkov doesn’t understand why it didn’t happen last night. I told him that you were so scared of us, you were probably burrowing in a cave somewhere. But he liked it when I described all the things we’re going to do to you when we catch you. Do you remember what I told you last night?”

How could she forget? Ignore him. He only wanted her to speak so that he could zero in on where she was. Don’t let it get to you. It’s almost over.