The dream morphed into Osip’s cruel face and his hands around my neck.
I woke with a start, scrambling to sit up. Osip and Yury stared at me curiously, still seated in the folding chairs as though nothing had changed.
How long had I been asleep? Minutes? Hours?
Time had all blended since this nightmare had started. I ran a shaking hand through my hair as my eyes shot to Boris, still crumbled in a pool of his own blood. My stomach lurched at the sight of him.
I reached a hand up, touching my swollen nose tenderly, knowing blood was still caked all over my face. Some of it was mine, most of it was Boris’s. I must have made for a frightful sight.
Yury rose and said something to Osip before he slipped out the front door.
He didn’t come back.
I saw the moment when Osip realized it. His eyes shot to the door and a look of anxiety flashed across his face before he masked it with cold realization.
He stood, looking as though he was going to come for me, just as three red dots appeared on his head and chest. He looked down and swore.
He was a marked man.
Sid.
I let out a shaky breath of relief. My man had come for me.
The door was kicked in with a violent crack as Sid and Theo entered the room armed with rifles pointed at Osip. Dressed in full combat gear, complete with bulletproof vests, goggles, and helmets, they were prepared for war.
“Drop your weapon. Now!” Sid barked.
A red dot remained on Osip and I realized one of the other guys must be outside keeping him in range.
Osip let out a growl of frustration but quickly complied and held his hands up.
Theo collected the gun before restraining Osip with methodic efficiency. Theo’s eyes shot to Boris’s body, a look of confusion on his face. “You shot your own guy?”
Osip let out a chuckle as Theo brought him roughly to his feet. “No. She did.” His chin pointed toward me as I sat surveying the scene in front of me with wide shocked eyes.
“Baby. Sam.” Sid’s voice was cautious as he approached me, as though I was a frightened animal. “It’s okay now. You’re safe.”
I looked up at him as Travis stepped into the room, dressed much like the other guys. “She all right?” he demanded.
“Baby.” Sid tried again, his voice hoarse with emotion. “Are you hurt?”
I swung my gaze over to him, locking in on his worried bright blue eyes.
“There’s a lot of blood.” Travis’s voice was worried.
“It’s Boris’s.” Osip snorted. “Stupid fuck.” He shook his head as Theo hauled him outside.
I kept my gaze on Sid, unable to look away from him. “Please. Get me out of here,” I choked out, my eyes filling with tears.
He lifted me up, wrapping me in his arms that, despite all his gear, still permeated warmth and strength.
“Transport,” he commanded, and I realized he was wearing an earpiece. Theo and Travis were shoving Osip and Yury, who I hadn’t been sure was alive, into a black Suburban.
After slamming the door shut, Travis stalked over to us. Sid still held me, his arms like soothing iron around me. “Sam—you okay?” Travis demanded, his brown eyes blazing.
I nodded woodenly, knowing my eyes were wide with fright.
He looked to Sid. “Take care of her.” The two men nodded, so much going unsaid in the tense gaze they shared.