And by then I was trapped, destined for a life intertwined with this madman's.
I failed her then. But not today.
Today we escape him for good.
I steel myself, meeting Luchenko's icy gaze. "You took my innocence. Robbed me of a future. But Yara is my redemption."
Luchenko sneers. "Still clinging to hope, little dove? There's no escaping your fate. And, in case you didn't realize it, it takestwo to tango. Fathers have rights too, you know. Especially with lawyers like mine, and a system designed to protect the patriarchy. You're screwed if you think you're going to pull the 'poor single mother, woe is me' card. The moment I snap my fingers, I'll have full custody."
He moves closer, backing me against the brick wall. I press back in an attempt to shrink into myself, willing myself not to tremble as my blood simultaneously boils. His breath grazes my ear, and I shudder, the little hairs on my neck standing to attention.
"We could be a family, Alina. Doesn't our daughter deserve that?" He smirks, knowing his words will infuriate me.
Revulsion rises in my throat. "Yara deserves better than you."
Luchenko's eyes flash. His fist slams into the wall beside my head. I flinch despite myself.
"Watch yourself," he growls. "You're forgetting who you're dealing with."
My heart hammers, but I lift my chin, defiant. "No. For the first time, I see you extremely clearly."
His mouth twists in a cruel smile. "Brave words, Alina. But they won't save you."
He grabs my wrist, bruisingly tight. I struggle in vain as he drags me down the alley toward a waiting car.
I won't let it end like this.
Yara is my chance for redemption.
And I won't fail her again.
Chapter 35
Morello
The pre-dawn air is thick with tension as I peer through night vision goggles, surveying the shadowy perimeter of the airfield. My heart pounds with adrenaline and determination. This is it—the moment we've planned for. Failure is not an option.
I glance over at Kane, his jaw set with focus, his eyes scanning for any sign of movement. Beyond him is Cole, her face obscured by tactical gear, exuding coiled power like a panther waiting to strike.
My team is ready.
Lives depend on our success.
And not just any lives.
I spot headlights cutting through the darkness—the SUV carrying Yara.
My chest tightens, imagining her fear. I have to reach her first. It's been three long days, and this is our one shot to get her out safely before she's whisked overseas to goodness knows where.
Kane tenses, anticipating my signal.
The SUV rolls to a stop, surrounded by armed silhouettes.
I steady my breathing, pushing down the rage I feel for the monsters who have chosen to terrify a child and steal her from her loving mother. Not yet. Wait for it...
"Now!" I hiss.
Kane explodes into motion, sprinting towards the SUV. Gunfire erupts, shattering the night's calm.