Niko watched as Drago, Hollywood and the others got deep into conversation. She really couldn’t work out whether it was a good or bad sign.
When she noticed Hollywood slip inside the rails and move towards her, she figured she was about to find out.
Roman was being fussed over by several of the older women and was in his element, so she glanced over at Marla.
“Could you watch him for me while I speak to my friend?” She murmured.
The older woman smiled at her.
“I think he’s got a hundred babysitters watching out for him.” She nodded towards the other women, almost all of whom were watching Roman, most of them with a smile on their faces.
Niko stood and walked towards Hollywood, anxious to find out what was going on.
When he reached her, Hollywood guided her over to one side, out of the view of anyone that wasn’t already in the pen.
“What were you talking about with Drago.” She asked, unable to hide her curiosity.
Hollywood turned her around, so she had her back to the women, but he could see everything that was happening around them.
He pulled his earpiece out and tapped a button on his jacket.
“Camera and microphone.” He explained. “Switched off now, so we can talk privately.”
“Oh.” Niko couldn’t help but be stunned to silence. What else could she say?
“Niko, I know about your plan to rescue the women.” Hollywood smiled. “Whilst it’s not exactly the plan I thought you had, it’s a relief to know that you really are the woman I thought you were.”
Niko stared at him, unsure whether to confirm or deny what he thought he knew. After all, this could still be one of Ilya’s traps.
“Niko, I know you reached out to Roman’s grandparents.” Hollywood reached for her hand and pulled her closer. “I also know that there’s a team of Russian Special Forces not so far from us, ready to rescue the women, thanks to you.”
Niko blinked her surprise.
“How do you know that?” She whispered.
“Drago.” Hollywood said simply. “He put Vasili’s parents in touch with the right people, and they were just waiting for you to get in contact. He’s been monitoring your calls and messages ever since.”
“But, Drago is Ilya’s man! He…” She was almost lost for words.
“He hates him even more than you do, by the sound of it.” Hollywood smiled.
Niko couldn’t believe it. All this time Drago had known how desperate she was to get out, and he’d never said a word.
“Why didn’t he just talk to me?” She whispered.
“Drago’s been undercover for three years, trying to bring your brother’s organisation down. That’s been his remit.” Hollywood explained. “Helping you and getting the women free only seems to have become a priority when your brother started to traffic in larger numbers.”
“But you said you were here to help the women as well.” She pointed out. “Are you working with the Russians?”
“Well, we are now.” Hollywood snorted. “But let’s just say that’s a very recent development. Like in the last five minutes type of recent.”
“And before that?” She pushed for answers. “How were you involved before five minutes ago?”
“It looks like that was down to Drago too.” Hollywood smiled. “Apparently, he’d lost contact with his superiors and was worried that you were too scared for Roman’s safety to reach out for help. So, with a little assistance from a mutual friend, he contacted my team anonymously, as an informant, and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Niko shook her head, trying to process everything.
“So, are you saying we have two teams trying to rescue us?” She clarified.
“It looks like it.” He nodded. “My team leader is trying to contact your people as we speak, to make sure we don’t end up with a blue on blue situation.”
“Blue what?” She asked, confused at why he was talking about colours at a time like this.
“It’s a military term that’s used when someone gets shot or killed by people on the same side. Like friendly fire.” Hollywood explained. “There’s a bit of annoyance amongst our Hungarian hosts that the Russians have dared violate Hungarian territory, but I’m guessing they’re going to put that to one side until the rescue is over and the dust has settled.”
“Can you find out what’s going on right now?” Niko looked around nervously. “We need to start getting the women out as soon as possible.”
“I’ll try and find out.” Hollywood squeezed her hand. “Can you stay here with Roman? This is about the safest part of the building, and I want you out of the way if the bullets start flying prematurely.”
“Who’s going to be doing the shooting?” Niko asked, panicked to think Hollywood was going to be involved in a gunfight.
“We can’t rule out that Ilya might try and start something when he knows we have him cornered.” Hollywood warned. “Hopefully, that won’t be until after we’ve got all of you out, but we have to be ready for whatever he tries.”
Niko stared up into Hollywood’s gorgeous face. He was risking his life for these women. For her, and for Roman.
“Don’t get shot.” She instructed. “I forbid it.”
His smile was glorious, and when he leaned in to kiss her she didn’t protest.
The kiss was hard and fast, and his lips didn’t linger, but it was the promise of more that Niko clung to as he stepped back and tapped his chest.
“Kevlar.” Hollywood smiled, as though the vest made him invincible.
Niko reached up and tapped the side of his head.
“No Kevlar!” She pointed out. “Don’t expect Ilya’s men to fire a gun with any skill or accuracy. They could aim for your feet and hit your head. And you, Landon Hillwood, are not indestructible.”
“No, I’m not indestructible.” Hollywood smiled down at her. “But I am cautious. I didn’t survive almost twenty years in the military by being gung-ho about safety. And while I might have survived a couple of bullets, I actually have an aversion to perforations. I think I’m allergic or something.”
“Then please don’t get shot.” She whispered. “I’d quite like the chance to get to know you properly, without you thinking I’m a heinous bitch.”
Hollywood opened his mouth as if to argue that he’d ever thought such a thing, but when she raised her eyebrow and stared at him, he backed down.
“Fair enough.” He smiled. “When this is all over, you and me, we’re gonna have a date, and we’re going to start from scratch, all truth and no more lies.”
She doubted that would ever happen.
“Deal.” She smiled. “Now go and get the evacuation started. The sooner it starts, the less chance Ilya and his men will have to hurt the women.”
“Ok.” Hollywood kissed her again, slower this time, almost with regret that he had to leave her.
When he lifted his head, she was slightly dizzy.
“Stay safe.” He whispered.
As Niko watched him walk back to his team-mates, she felt her heart crack open.
One way or another, she had a feeling that their future was going to be short-lived.