The Ruthless Knight

by Jeana E. Mann

  “Calliope.” My name is a low growl in his throat. I silence him by touching my lips to his. He pulls back. “I don’t want to take advantage of you when you’re feeling like this.”

  “Just shut up and kiss me.” I slide my hands around to his ass and dig my fingers into his hard muscles. The length of his cock presses against my bare stomach. Reaching between us, I guide him inside me. This isn’t about sex. This is so much more. I need to feel a connection to a flesh-and-blood human being. Someone who isn’t interested in ripping out my soul.

  We move together slowly, too weak and tired for more than that. He’s saving me from the chaos in my head. I hope my body does the same for him. His fingers entwine with mine. Strength and comfort flow between us. I know it’s crazy, but there’s nowhere I’d rather be at this moment. If I ever get out of this mess, I won’t forget him. Nicky Tarnovsky will haunt my dreams for the rest of my life.

  Afterward, I’m able to sleep for a short time in the security of Nicky’s arms because I’ve come to a decision. Valentina knows about Jagger. She’ll never be safe. I don’t know how or when, but before I draw my last breath, Valentina Sokolov is going to die.

  Sixteen

  Calliope

  Midmorning of the next day, Viktor arrives in our room. Nicky and I have been sitting on the veranda, staring numbly at the sea. “Valentina wants to see you.” Both of us rise to our feet. “Not you.” He shakes his head at Nicky and points to me. “You.”

  My stomach twists into an anxious knot. The emotional wound of last night has receded but hasn’t disappeared. I wipe sweaty palms on my lap. Nicky stands. “I’m coming, too.”

  “Let’s not make this a big deal.” Vik pats the bulge in his pants pocket, alluding to the gun he always carries.

  “It’s okay.” I extend a hand. He has no idea of my plan, and I want to keep it that way. Maybe he can go on to live a life after this.

  With each step closer to Valentina, my pulse rate climbs. I have no idea what she wants, but I’m sure it won’t be pleasant. The walls protecting my dignity have been shattered because of that bitch. Viktor opens the door to a theater room and steps aside for me to enter. A movie screen covers the far wall. Plush recliners rest on risers.

  Valentina sits on a sofa at the back and pats the cushion next to her. “Come here, lovely. Sit by me.”

  Every fiber in my body resists. My feet are frozen to the floor. Viktor gives my shoulder a shove. I stumble forward and perch on the edge of the sofa. Valentina smooths a hand over my hair, pushing the unruly strands away from my face. Her touch is gentle and terrifying.

  “You did so well last night. Such a beautiful girl. My friends were thrilled with your performance. Mr. Haskell offered fifty thousand dollars for you.” She caresses the side of my face. Bile rises in my throat. This is even worse than I thought. “And when I showed him this video, he upped his offer to one hundred thousand.”

  With a click of the remote control at her side, a pornographic movie starts on the screen. The volume is too loud, filling the room with the moans and groans of the couple in front of the camera. Heat rushes into my face. I know the man’s voice. It’s Nicky. I bite my lower lip to temper my reaction. Then I realize the woman in the video is me.

  “What?” The word slips out of my mouth before I can stop it.

  I can’t stop staring at the screen. It’s us in the camera. The slap of skin on skin rings in my ears. Valentina mutes the volume. I try to avert my eyes, but she takes my chin and forces my gaze to the screen. “No. Watch. You’re amazing. So passionate, don’t you think?”

  “You taped us?” I don’t know why anything she does surprises me. Still, I’m shocked and sickened. “How?” I searched every inch of the room for cameras.

  “Oh, yes.” With another click of the remote, she skips to last night. Tears sting my eyes. “He’s a great lover, isn’t he? So tender with you. He was never like that with me—or the others.” A final click of the button displays a montage of Nicky with other women. Dozens. The sick twist of Valentina’s smile tells me everything I need to know.

  “You’re disgusting.”

  “Oh, yes. I pride myself on it.” Her laughter rings through the room. “Don’t be angry. You were magnificent. And Nicky—he did exactly as I told him. Such a good little whore.” She pats my hand. I shrink away from her touch. “How do you think I knew about your sister? You spilled your guts to him, and he told me everything.”

  It takes a few seconds for the meaning behind her words to sink in. I don’t want to believe what she’s saying. “I don’t understand.”

  “I thought it would be amusing to have him seduce you, and I was right. You were so easy. Practically throwing yourself at him.” The shame from last night returns. How could I have been so stupid? I place a hand on my chest. It feels like my heart is being ripped into pieces. Triumph curves her mouth. “He likes it, you know? Being watched while he fucks other women. It turns him on.” A devious gleam brightens her dark eyes. “But don’t worry. You won’t have to deal with him any longer. I’ve decided to accept the offer of Mr. Haskill. He’ll be here to pick you up within the week.”

  Seventeen

  Nicky

  The second Calliope arrives at the table for lunch, I know something has happened. I can tell in the way her gaze avoids mine. The devastation in her eyes completes my hatred for Valentina. She’s done something—something awful. I rise and pull out a chair for Calliope. “Are you all right?”

  “Don’t.” Her reply arrives through gritted teeth. She’s changed into a white and purple flowered sundress that flatters her golden skin.

  “What has she done?” I press for an answer because I can’t fix something I don’t know about. The thought of losing her creates unbearable tightness in my chest.

  “I showed her your glorious catalog of films. Poor darling was shocked.” Valentina brushes the backs of her fingers over Calliope’s cheek. She turns her head away from the caress. I can see how much she’s hurting inside.

  I want to explain, but I can’t. Not in front of Valentina. Anything I say will be refuted by the traitorous viper. Judging from the hatred in Calliope’s eyes, she’s not open to the truth right now anyway. “Someday, Valentina, karma is going to bite you in the ass, and I hope I’m the one to give it a kickstart.”

  She fills her plate with fresh fruit and yogurt, ignoring my words. “You know, I’m growing bored with you, Nikolay. You’re no fun anymore. I think it’s time for you to go. We can call our bargain complete.”

  “Nothing would please me more.” Except the thought of leaving Calliope alone with this psychopath is more distressing than I realized. When I’m gone, there will be no one to protect her.

  “Great. I’ll make the arrangements.” Valentina fills Calliope’s plate, as well. “You have to eat, querida. I need you healthy and healed for Mr. Haskill.”

  The mention of the smarmy bald businessman turns my stomach. “What have you done?”

  “I’ve found a home for Calliope. I was going to keep her, but I’ve got business to attend and no time to properly deal with her. He’s made an amazing offer. She’ll live out the rest of her days in luxury on his private island.” A tiny smile curves her mouth. “At least what’s left of it.”

  “You mean, he’ll torture her to death.” I jump to my feet and slam my hands on the table. “He’s a sadist. You’re handing her a death sentence. Haven’t you made her suffer enough?”

  The color drains from Calliope’s face. Valentina shrugs. “What do I care? She means nothing to me.” Her too bright smile makes me want to vomit. While she speaks, she uses her knife to slice a papaya in half. “Good afternoon, Viktor. You’re just in time. I was just telling Nicky I’d like him to leave today.”

  “I’ll make the arrangements.” He pulls out the empty chair next to Calliope. Valentina places the knife on the side of her plate. A flicker of fury flashes through Calliope’s brown eyes. In a movement too fast to comprehend, she grabs the
knife and plunges the blade into Vik’s neck.

  Viktor’s eyes roll into the back of his head. He slumps forward in the chair, his forehead banging against the table. Blood soaks his shirt. Valentina stares at Vik in stunned horror. Calliope’s chair falls backward, crashing to the concrete. She hesitates for a fraction of a second. Our eyes meet. Terror and absolute determination flash across her face. She yanks the knife out of Viktor and brandishes it toward Valentina.

  The guards surge forward, guns pointing at Calliope’s head. I step between her and two of the soldiers. For a tense moment, the only thing I can hear is the pounding of my heart in my ears, the rush of blood through my veins, and the harsh rasp of our breathing. I raise my hands, trying to diffuse the situation as best I can. “Wait. Easy. Calliope, drop the knife.”

  “No.” Like her voice, the tip of the knife trembles. “I won’t be sold to some sadistic freak. You can kill me right now. This ends today.”

  “Everyone, calm down.” Valentina’s tone is low and soothing. She extends her palms toward her men like she’s wielding an invisible forcefield to hold them back. “I don’t want her hurt.” She edges toward Calliope. “Give me the knife.”

  “I’ll die before I spend one more day here.” Calliope backs toward the pool.

  “Calliope, look at me.” I force calmness into my voice. Her liquid gaze flits to mine. “This isn’t helping matters. There’s nowhere you can go. Drop the knife.”

  “I trusted you, but you’re just as bad as they are.” Her declaration wounds me to the core.

  “I know. I’m a horrible person, but I’m on your side, and I always have been.” I take a step toward her. “Please.” The soldiers move their guns from Calliope to me. I don’t care. All I can think about is minimizing this crazy cluster fuck before we’re both killed. I lower my voice so she’s the only one who can hear me. “Live to fight another day.”

  Valentina lunges for her. One of the soldiers presses the muzzle of his rifle against my temple. Another aims at my chest. The women topple to the ground. They roll around, grunting and cursing. Valentina grabs the knife and slashes Calliope’s arm. Valentina is taller, but Calliope is stronger. She delivers a punch to Valentina’s throat that knocks her on her ass. The knife splashes into the pool.

  Victory is short-lived. The soldiers converge on Calliope. She’s dragged from the patio, kicking and screaming, fighting to her last breath. Valentina struggles to her feet. The pristine white of her blouse is dotted with her own blood. She uses a shaking hand to brush the hair away from her face. “You’ll pay for this, Calliope Jones.”

  “Wait. I’ll make a new bargain with you. My life for hers.” The soldiers force me to my knees.

  “I’m done with you,” Valentina replies, pivots, and heads toward the house.

  One of the soldiers raises the butt of his rifle. Colors explode inside my head and everything goes dark.

  Eighteen

  Nicky

  When I open my eyes, blurry overhead lights blind me. The room comes into focus. Beige walls. The smell of antiseptic. The low hum of voices. Roman steps into view. Rourke hovers behind him. Lines of gravity etch their faces.

  “Welcome back.” A doctor wearing blue scrubs speaks in stilted English. “How are you feeling?” As she speaks, she shines a tiny flashlight in my eyes.

  I lift a hand to my head, trying to ease the infernal ache between my temples. “Like I’ve been run over by a truck.”

  “You have a concussion and two broken ribs.” She raises an index finger in front of me and moves it from left to right. I follow the motion with my eyes, wincing at the stabbing pain caused by the action. Her serious expression holds kindness. “You’re going to have a headache for a few days.”

  When she leaves, Roman drags a chair to my bedside. “You look like shit.”

  “That explains a lot about how I feel.” Slowly, I turn my head to face him.

  “Somebody beat the crap out of you. A farmer found you in the middle of the jungle. If he hadn’t come along, you probably would have died out there.” The annoyance in his tone has a familiar ring. “Would you like to explain what you were doing in Colombia?”

  Fragments of memories collide. Calliope. Viktor. Valentina’s threats. I bolt to a sitting position. Sharp needles stab my side. “Milada? Is she okay?”

  “She’s fine. She’s on my island with Claudette. We were on my yacht with Henry and Everly heading to meet them when we got the call about you.” He leans back in his chair, brow furrowing.

  My relief at knowing she’s safe is short-lived. “I have to go back.”

  “What’s going on, Nicky? Talk to me.”

  “Valentina. She’s been holding me captive at her compound. She threatened Milada.”

  Roman’s blue eyes darken. He leans forward. “And you’re just now telling me about this?” Fury thins his lips. “What have you done?”

  “Everything you asked.” His highhandedness ignites my own anger. The words stick in my throat. Breathing becomes difficult. I swallow and lean back on the pillows. Nothing I say will change his mind about me. The only thing that matters right now is Calliope. I tug the IV from my arm, swing my legs over the bed. The room tilts.

  “Whoa. Nicky, you need to stay in bed.” Rourke places a gentle hand on my forearm.

  “You don’t understand.” I push her hand away.

  “Are you crazy?” Roman rises to his feet.

  “Why do you have to go back?” She gazes up into my face. For the first time, her blue eyes hold concern instead of animosity.

  “Because Calliope’s still there, and I can’t leave her with that psycho bitch.” I have no idea how to make them understand the urgency of the situation.

  “Calliope?” Roman narrows his eyes.

  “A woman. Valentina plans to sell her to someone.” Frustration swells inside me until I feel the walls of my chest expand. “I don’t have time for this.”

  “Roman, look at him. He’s telling the truth.” Rourke places a hand on her husband’s arm. Her gaze is both tender and stern. He draws in a deep breath. The connection between them is palpable. I don’t know why I couldn’t see it before. They love each other. She touches his face, an unspoken conversation passing between them. “He’s family. You owe him this.”

  Roman traces a fingertip along the curve of her jaw before turning his dark blue gaze on me. I stare back, willing him to see my sincerity. He steps between me and the door. “You can’t go back there alone. Tell me what you need, and I’ll make it happen.”

  Nineteen

  Calliope

  After the incident with Viktor, Valentina’s minions dragged me by the hair into a nearby utility shed and locked the door. I’m pretty sure I broke her nose during our struggle. Serves her right. The next time, she won’t walk away. The wound in my arm has stopped bleeding. I rip the bottom from my sundress to fashion a makeshift bandage. It’s unbearably hot in the small space. Sweat trickles between my breasts. I squeeze my eyes shut and rest my head against the wall. Images of Nicky keep flashing on the backs of my eyelids. The blow to his head had been ferocious. Her goons hauled him away. Tears thicken the walls of my throat. If he isn’t dead, he will be soon.

  I search the shed frantically for a way out. My fingers ache from clawing at the dirt floor, but my chest hurts even more. The thought of Nicky fills me with unbearable despair. Now that I’ve had some time to think, I’m not so sure he betrayed me. Valentina has a way of twisting facts into fantasy. I have no idea what to believe. All I know is that without him, I would have died on the first day. He endured Viktor’s abuse to protect me. No one would do that. He deserves the benefit of my doubt.

  The sun sets and takes the warmth with it. I hug my knees to my chest in a desperate effort to drive away the chill. I’ve been in here for hours. Dehydration cracks the skin on my lips. After a while, exhaustion takes over. My chin hits my chest, and I doze. The next time I open my eyes, it’s daylight again.

  No one comes f
or me, which is both a blessing and a curse. The closed space acts as an oven, intensifying the tropical heat. Now that the adrenalin has faded from my system, I can feel each of the numerous scrapes and bruises on my body. Insects crawl over my skin. The mosquitos are terrible. To pass the time and keep my spirits up, I visualize a different life for myself—one filled with laughter and smiles and—Nicky? His presence in my fantasy is unexpected but welcome. I’d give anything to see his mischievous smile, to hear his deep voice and feel the crush of his lips against mine.

  When night comes back around, my arm begins to throb and feels hot to the touch. Infection is a real threat in these unsanitary conditions. I’m no doctor, but I know enough to be concerned. I’m more worried about dehydration. A person can live for days without food, but in this heat, I won’t make it long without water.

  Relief comes on the third day when the door creaks open. Two soldiers motion for me to step into the bright sunshine. My legs wobble. I’m too weak to walk. One of the men hoists me over his shoulder and carries me to the house. He drops me onto the green grass next to the pool. Valentina stands on the patio near the French doors. Purple and green bruises surround her eyes. A bandage covers her nose. The sight raises my spirits. No matter what happens to me, she’ll never forget who did that to her.

  She approaches, keeping a healthy distance from me. “Haskill is waiting for you at the dock. I hope you suffer through every second of the rest of your short, miserable life.” I flinch as she spits at my bare feet.

  “You’ll burn in hell for this,” I shout as the soldier scoops me into his arms. At the Jeep, my wrists are ziptied together and I’m dumped into the back seat. One of the soldiers sits behind the wheel. The other climbs into the back with me.