“Okay,” I breathe.

“If all hell breaks loose, don’t call for me.”

What the hell?

Frowning, I ask, “Why?”

“It will break my attention.”

“And then we’re all a little fucked,” Alexei adds. “Basically, Ariana, while Demitri is working, don’t distract him.”

Understanding, I nod. “Got it. Stick to Alexei’s side and keep quiet while all hell breaks loose. Anything else?”

Demitri turns his attention to Nikhil. “Give me your tag. When you get back to LA, get a new one for yourself.”

Nikhil removes a chain from his neck and hands it to Demitri, who comes to put it over my head. I glance down at the unmarked silver tag.

Demitri flips it over. “See this button?”

“Yes.”

“It’s a panic button. If you press it, all of us will get the alarm. It also has a tracker in it so we can find you.”

Glancing up at Demitri, I frown. “You don’t wear one?”

He holds up his left arm and gestures at his wristwatch. “Mine’s in here.”

“Cool.”

I look down at the tag and then tuck it beneath my shirt’s collar. “Is that all?”

“For now,” Demitri says and then walks toward the front door. “Let’s go.”

Once we step out of my apartment, I lock the door and then move to Alexei’s side. Demitri takes the lead with Nikhil behind us, and I have to admit, right now, I feel a little badass.

Chapter 21

DEMITRI

After landing on Damien and Winter’s island that’s a hell of a lot bigger than Alexei’s, we step off the plane.

A smile spreads over my brother’s face as I walk toward him, and then we engulf each other in a tight hug.

“Fuck, it’s been too long,” I murmur, glad to see him again.

Pulling back, I hold Damien at arm's length and look him over. “You look good.”

“Life’s been good,” Damien replies, still smiling wide.

We turn to where Carson and Alexei are hugging, and then I step forward to embrace Carson, while Alexei does the same with Damien.

When we’ve all greeted each other, I hold my hand out to Ariana, where she’s been standing to the side. She darts forward and quickly links her fingers with mine while giving me a nervous look.

I squeeze her hand and tug her right to my side, then turn back to my brother and Carson. “This is Ariana Robinson.”

Carson’s one eyebrow lifts, obviously recognizing her name.

I gesture at Damien. “My brother, Damien.”

“Hi,” Ariana smiles at him, but Damien’s a little caught off guard that I’m holding her hand, so he just stares at her.

I gesture at Carson. “Alexei’s younger brother, Carson. He’s the one that got the contract on you and forwarded it to us.”

This time there’s a genuine smile on Ariana’s face as she looks at Carson. “Thanks for not killing me.”

Carson begins to chuckle. “You’re welcome.”

Damien places his hand on my shoulder, then gives me a pointed look.