“Ahh… yeah.”

“Stay close to Alexei,” he says.

“Why not you?” I ask as I glance between them.

“It’s easier for me to protect you both if you’re close to each other,” Demitri explains.

Alexei grabs one of the bags they brought from the island and grins at me. “You’re with me, little one.”

Taking a deep breath, I let it out, and then I move closer to Alexei.

This isn’t weird at all.

Demitri leaves the plane first, and then he calls out, “Clear.”

When Alexei starts to walk, I move, and as we come down the stairs, Demitri’s glancing around the area, looking like a badass bodyguard.

I have to move faster to keep up with Alexei as we walk toward a black SUV.

I feel Demitri behind us, and glancing over my shoulder, my mouth dries for a second time today when I see the deadly expression on his face. His demeanor is tense, ready to explode into action at the first sign of danger.

Holy freaking hotness.

The man, who I assume is Nikhil, nods at Alexei and Demitri, not even glancing my way.

Alexei opens the back door and gestures for me to get in. Once I’m inside the cab, Nikhil gets in next to me, where Alexei slides behind the steering wheel, and Demitri takes the passenger seat.

I give Nikhil an unsure smile. “Hi.”

He just nods at me.

As Alexei starts the engine, he asks, “Is Tao still at the motel?”

“Yes. He’s been laying low, probably trying to find the girl.”

“Ariana, how do you feel about being bait?” Alexei asks casually.

Do I even have to answer that? “I don’t like the idea at all.”

“Thought as much,” Alexei chuckles. “We’ll spend the night at Ariana’s place. Nikhil, you’ll guard her while Demitri and I take care of Tao.”

“Yes, boss,” Nikhil answers without hesitation.

God, it just feels like I’m being pulled deeper down the rabbit hole.

Chapter 19

DEMITRI

When we walk into Ariana’s apartment, she glances around, then frowning, asks, “Where’s my rug?”

“I wrapped you in it and left it in the car that night,” I explain as I walk to the coffee table and move it into its original position.

“You owe me a rug,” Ariana mutters, and then she heads to her bedroom.

Alexei opens the fridge and, a second later, slams it shut, then he looks around the small space with a frown. “Ariana!”

Opening the bedroom door, she peeks out. “You don’t have to yell. What?”

Alexei waves a hand over the room. “Why do you live in such a small place? Your fridge is empty.”

Ariana gives Alexei a look of warning. “Don’t diss my apartment. You can always go to a hotel. No one’s forcing you to stay here.”

Alexei lets out a huff. “That’s not what I meant. You’re Sergei’s daughter. Didn’t he send you money?”

“Oh.” She takes a step forward and leans her shoulder against the doorjamb. “He does… ahh… did… I used it for my mom’s nursing home.” Then her teeth tug at her bottom lip. “Which I suppose is going to be a problem now that my dad passed away.” With a look of concern, she heads back into the bedroom.