Hostile Ground

by Cara Carnes

  Interesting. He trusted Gavriil with details she’d expected him to keep quiet. Why?

  “Brilliant and beautiful. Careful, friend. Those are the dangerous ones,” Gavriil said with a grin.

  “You have no idea,” Kristof muttered.

  Addy chuckled. Awareness beaded along her skin as she peered into his intense gaze. Although the scantily clad blonde writhed against him, Kristof ignored the woman altogether and kept his attention fully on Addy.

  Her pulse quickened as she severed eye contact and took a long pull from the cocktail. She didn’t know what it was, but it was good and filled with more Vodka than mixer. The alcohol burned the back of her throat with just enough sting to snap her out of the hormonally-charged thoughts.

  Amusement glimmered on Kristof’s face as he raised his drink and took a sip. “As much as I’m sure you’re enjoying these beautiful women’s company, we have business to discuss.”

  “Of course. Give us a moment, ladies,” Gavriil said to the two women at his sides. Addy and Kristof both stood. Silence descended as the two women shimmied out of the booth and disappeared into the club. “Do we have a problem?”

  “My men will take them to your safe house,” Kristof said as he and Addy both sat back down. “They’ll remain there and keep them secure until you can have someone take over.”

  “That wasn’t our agreement.” Gavriil leaned forward. “I was under the impression all was forgiven with this transaction.”

  “It is.”

  “Perhaps I’m not the only one with rebel employees.”

  “Sounds like there’s trouble brewing,” Zoey said in the com.

  No shit. Addy fought the urge to reposition herself between Kristof and Gavriil. Although Kristof was likely just as good a fighter as her, Iriana was his protector.

  “You’ll be compensated,” Kristof said.

  “You can’t continue bleeding for this endeavor. It’s an impossible task.”

  “No more so than yours was.”

  “Perhaps.” Gavriil sighed heavily and leaned back in the booth. “I tire of the cat and mouse game. Who is the cat and who is the mouse and why do I feel like the bait?”

  “You aren’t the bait. You’re the trap,” Kristof said. “Or the mouse.”

  Gavriil laughed. “That doesn’t ease my concern.”

  “It should.” Kristof finished his drink and set the glass on the table. “I’m the dog. The cat stands no chance.”

  He stood and motioned for Addy to do the same. Surprised, she complied. They were leaving? Where was the money? And what the heck did the cat and mouse and dog and trap bullshit mean?

  “He’s hiding something,” Zoey said.

  Yes. And Addy would find out exactly what once they were alone. Bastard.

  “Take care, comrade. The cat you hunt is a feral tiger.” Gavriil smiled at Iriana. “I hope we meet again.”

  Not likely. Addy coiled her arm around Kristof’s waist and settled at his side as they fell in step toward the exit. Chairs scraped when they passed Ivan’s table. The brute took point and the other three fanned out around Addy and Kristof.

  Her gaze swept the exterior of the club as they stepped onto the sidewalk. Situated within a busy nightclub district, people milled about nearby. Laughter filled the area. Music drifted from a street performer down the road.

  Ivan moved from his position in front of Kristof and stepped off the curb. The vehicle was parked on a neighboring street. The man fell, his head struck the curb. Addy took a step toward him, but voices shouted in the com.

  “Sniper! Get down, Red!” Johnny shouted.

  “Shit!” Zoey said at the same time.

  Addy took Kristof down with a kick to the back of his legs. He grunted with the impact as she covered him with her body. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest as she drew out her gun from her purse.

  Blood coated her hand.

  What the fuck? She lifted up, peering into Kristof’s shocked gaze.

  “Afraid I zigged and should’ve zagged,” he said.

  “Lavrov’s hit,” Addy said.

  No. No. No. She tugged his suit jacket open. The Kevlar-like lining had stopped the bulk of the damage, but the bullet had still hit. Blood poured from a wound near his left shoulder. “Shoulder wound. Applying pressure. Someone get me a fucking vehicle!”

  She screamed the latter at the idiots that’d been with Ivan. One hid behind a trashcan while the other two tried to save Ivan. Since there was very little left of his face, she suspected it was too late.

  “Get the car!” she screamed again.

  “Where is he, Z?” Johnny asked. “Bullet came from my direction.”

  “Across the street, in the same building you’re in Johnny,” Zoey said.

  “Sixteenth, maybe fifteenth floor based on the trajectory HERA drones got,” Jesse said. “Cracker and Beast, close off the exits to that building. Shep, cover Addy and Kristof. Stay out of sight. Repeat, stay out of sight.”

  “Stay with me,” Addy said as she pressed down on the bullet wound harder.

  A group of men surged from the strip club. Gavriil’s angered shouts boomed through the area as he ordered them to fan out and provide cover. He crouched on Kristof’s other side.

  “Let’s get him inside,” the man said.

  “No.” Addy shook her head. “The car. Someone went to get it.”

  “He’s safer inside with me until more of his men can come.” Anger filled the man’s face. “I won’t argue this with you, Iriana.”

  “How the fuck do I know this wasn’t you?” She aimed her weapon at him. “Who else knew he was here?”

  “That’s what we’ll find out after we tend to his injury.”

  Fair point. Addy nodded and helped lift Kristof up. He groaned.

  “I can walk.” Kristof motioned toward the car when it pulled up. “We’re going the wrong way.”

  “You’re going inside,” Gavriil growled.

  “Ivan,” Kristof said. He turned his head toward where his second-in-command had fallen. “Get him.”

  “He’s gone,” Addy said as they entered the club.

  Though the music continued, the patrons gawked and stood toward the back of the room. Two men moved behind them, semi-automatic rifles pointed toward the door.

  “Hang on. I’ll get a doctor here.”

  “No,” Addy said. “He’s going to a hospital once the area is secure.”

  “I’m okay. The bleeding has slowed,” Kristof commented.

  “You’re going to a hospital,” Addy repeated.

  “I’ll figure out where to take him,” Zoey said. “We can’t risk too much scrutiny by authorities.”

  Addy willed her breathing under control as they entered a large office. Gavriil helped Kristof to the sofa. Chatter on the coms indicated her team had secured all exits from the building, which was a high-end apartment or condominium complex. Hundreds of residents. A door-to-door hunt wouldn’t be possible.

  She redirected her attention on Kristof as Gavriil inspected the wound.

  “Through and through,” the man said. “A couple inches shift and you’d be dead.”

  Kristof grimaced. “Thank you, comrade.”

  “Iriana had you covered. Literally.”

  “Don’t ever put yourself between me and a bullet again,” Kristof growled.

  “That’s my job,” Addy argued. She pressed the makeshift bandage on his wound. Blood covered her hand and rolled down her arm. “Who the hell did this?”

  “I have no idea.” He grimaced. “Your bedside manner needs work.”

  “So does your lying.” She pressed harder. “I’m a good mind to put a bullet in your brain myself. Who did this?”

  “I’ve made many enemies, more lately than normal. I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” Kristof’s gaze cut to Gavriil.

  The two men regarded one another. Though neither spoke, Addy sensed the tension between them. They both knew more than they were saying.

  “You
think he knows who did this,” Zoey said in the com.

  Yeah. She did.

  “She’s right. You need to go in,” Gavriil said. “I’ll make some calls and secure a facility.”

  “Don’t…” Kristof started to speak but halted when Gavriil squeezed his arm.

  “I know. I’ll make sure it’s secure.” The man looked at Addy. “Hospitals are a risk we normally wouldn’t take. Most injuries can be handled by private doctors, but given the location I agree he needs to go in. I’ll get my vehicles brought around.”

  Addy nodded but remained quiet as Zoey and Jesse debated the merits of letting a stranger Kristof trusted find a location.

  “He’ll know what’s safe more than we do at this point,” Jesse said. “Let him take the lead. We’ll pull him out if needed.”

  “Your team is chasing the shooter. You should be able to move him without problem,” Zoey said. “Be careful, Addy.”

  “The scene’s safe. Let’s go. We’ve waited long enough.” Though only a few minutes had passed, Addy knew every second counted if the bullet hit anything major. Then again, he would’ve bled out by now if an artery had been hit. Through and through. At least the bullet hadn’t buried inside and travelled.

  “We can’t transport him and keep our presence under radar,” Jesse said.

  “I’ll need help getting him there,” Addy said.

  “My men and I will provide security and transport.”

  Right. He’d said so before. She needed to get her shit together and focus.

  “Don’t put yourself at risk,” Kristof growled. He glared at Gavriil. “It’s not worth it.”

  “Shut up or we’ll knock you out,” Addy said. “Let’s go.”

  6

  Two dark SUVs pulled up outside the club moments later. Addy and Gavriil got into the back of the second vehicle with Kristof while two men climbed into the front. Five more filled the first.

  Kristof’s weight slumped against Addy. Her gaze latched on to Gavriil, who maintained a firm press against the bullet wound. Blood coated the hand towel. Where had it even come from? Hadn’t they been using a shirt before?

  “I’m okay,” Kristof whispered. The audible swallow and labored huff of air after the declaration quickened Addy’s pulse.

  Should he be lying down? Wouldn’t that be better? Or, wait. Wasn’t there something about elevating an area to reduce blood flow? Fuck. Why hadn’t she taken more medical training through the years?

  Because you never gave a damn whether you lived or died. Not until The Arsenal.

  No. She’d cared at the camp, back when she’d had Kristof. Her fingers trembled as she stroked his jaw, and then angled downward until his pulse thumped beneath her fingertips.

  “Okay, this syndicate has their shit together,” Zoey said. “I hacked into their surveillance system and am gathering the other feeds available within the area. Hopefully we can piece together enough data to identify the shooter.”

  Sweat dampened Kristof’s skin. His eyelids closed. A tremble ran throughout her body, but she forced her mind to focus on the task at hand. Hospital.

  “Stay awake,” Addy said. She stroked his hair and peered into his gray eyes.

  Pain reflected in his glassy gaze when he looked up at her. “I’m okay.”

  “No, you aren’t. But you will be.” How many times had they had this exchange as children?

  It’d usually been her that was injured—she was smaller than most of the people she fought, and she was female. Neither of those facts boded well in hand-to-hand combat. He’d always remained at her side, offering comfort no matter how bad the pain was.

  What was that song he’d hum?

  The melody slid from the mental vault she’d locked the past away in. Kristof settled his hand atop the one she held at his neck and smiled.

  Smiled.

  Pain rushed across his handsome face, but the forced upturn of his full lips remained. Crazy idiot was doing what he’d always done whenever he got hurt at the camp—pretended he wasn’t hurting so she wouldn’t worry.

  Pull your shit together, Addy. You aren’t back there, and he needs you.

  “The facility isn’t far,” Gavriil said. “They require payment up front. I can cover the cost for now.”

  Payment? Disapproval rumbled through Addy as she glared at Gavriil. Money was the last thing he should be worried about. Blood soaked Addy’s hands and clothes.

  Kristof’s blood.

  “Don’t,” Kristof said. “I’ll cover it.”

  “You’re barely conscious,” Addy argued. “I’ll cover it.” Or, rather, Zoey would.

  Both vehicles came to a stop a few minutes later. Everyone exited the first vehicle. Two of the armed men approached the second vehicle while the other three fanned out and established a perimeter.

  “Gage’s team is almost there,” Zoey said. “Nolan’s is assisting with the hunt. Marshall’s is also en route. Authorities are at the club now.”

  Addy exited first. Kristof moved toward the door but tumbled forward against her when he stood. Arms wrapped around him, she supported his weight until Gavriil appeared and lifted him away from her.

  The nondescript building didn’t look like a hospital. No ambulances or signage denoted what resided within. She supported Kristof’s weight from her left side, but the man leaned heavily on Gavriil, who’d taken sentry on his other side.

  “Secure the entrance. No one enters,” Gavriil ordered two of his armed men as the double doors leading into the location swooshed open.

  Staff in medical scrubs appeared and maneuvered Kristof onto a gurney. Her gaze swept the interior and halted when she spotted a surveillance camera.

  “On it,” Zoey said. “We’ll have full access shortly.”

  “Wait here,” a woman said.

  Addy drew her weapon and glared. “I go where he goes.”

  The woman’s lips pursed as she glanced at the weapon. “Very well. Come.”

  Relieved they intended to see to him immediately rather than wait while payment was made, Addy calmed. Blood coated her hands, arms, and torso. Gavriil fell into step beside her as she followed the gurney and the staff working on Kristof.

  She hovered nearby as the medical staff assessed him. No one attempted to ban her from the small area, but the rapid-fire Russian coming from the doctor as he drew back from Kristof and removed his gloves pooled dread in her gut.

  Surgery.

  She’d caught the word a couple times. Two nurses maneuvered the gurney from the room. Addy followed.

  “Perhaps you should put your gun away,” he suggested. “He’ll come to no harm here.” Gavriil drew to a halt outside double swinging doors and gripped her upper arm when the gurney disappeared behind them. When Kristof disappeared.

  Worry pitched her stomach and quickened her pulse. She shoved from Gavriil’s grasp and followed through the double doors. “I don’t know you. I don’t trust you.”

  “Kristof does. That’s enough. Put the gun away, Iriana.”

  Iriana. It was as though a bucket of ice water had been dumped on her head. Reality slammed to the forefront. The only way to keep Kristof safe was to do her damned job. Addy glared at the man as she holstered the weapon.

  “I have access to their surveillance, computers, and phone lines,” Zoey said. Which meant she could watch over Kristof. But would she? She wasn’t exactly his biggest fan.

  No. Everyone at The Arsenal would keep him safe because that’s what they did. She closed her eyes and let the chatter in the com ease some of the worry. Kristof had teams of Arsenal operatives at his back. He’d be okay.

  “Establishing overwatch on rooftop via rear stairwell once it’s open,” someone said in the com. She didn’t recognize the voice.

  “Done,” Jesse said. “Gavriil’s men have the front covered. Focus on the back. Nolan’s team will fan out and provide perimeter coverage in the front.”

  Hearing the plan via the com in her ear left Addy able to focus on the inte
rior. On Kristof. The gurney was pulled into a surgical room of some sort. She moved to follow, but Gavriil clasped her arm again and shook his head. This time the firm grip had enough bite to force her attention to his face.

  “Come,” he said. He pushed a door open and headed down a narrow hall a few feet, then opened a door on the right. An observation room. “We can watch from here.”

  Okay. Good. She forced a deep breath. “Why are you helping him?”

  “Because he’d help me.” The man shrugged, as if indifferent to what he’d done. But tension corded his powerful frame and a twitch had taken residence in his jawline. Anger glinted in his gaze when he looked at her. “Favors are currency in my world. A favor from Kristof can be quite valuable.”

  “Do you know who did this?”

  “I don’t, though I wouldn’t say if I did.” The man crossed his hands behind his back and kept his attention on the staff as they prepped Kristof. “If he wanted you to know, you wouldn’t need to ask that question.”

  So, Kristof did know. The knowledge shouldn’t surprise her. They may have once been important to one another, but that was long, long ago.

  “I can’t protect him if I don’t know.”

  “From what I have seen, I doubt that’s true. Brilliance and skill wrapped within beauty that blinds everyone to its existence. I see now why he hired you.” Curiosity glinted within his gaze when he looked at her. “You are an intriguing creature, Iriana.”

  “And you’re more than a client to him.”

  “Perhaps. Perhaps not. Our world is twisted with many falsehoods and masked truths. Don’t trust anyone.”

  “Funny coming from the same man who just told me to trust him that Kristof wouldn’t be harmed in this facility.”

  “Touché.” He grinned. “I see you miss nothing.”

  But she had. Someone had almost killed him. She fisted her hands and forced a calming breath.

  Focus.

  Iriana would contact Kristof’s men, apprise them of the situation. “Ivan was my primary contact aside from Kristof. Who should I call?”

  “I’m sure Dima has already done so. He’s been with Kristof many years. He’ll know who can be trusted right now.”