Free Ultimate Prey (Book 3 Ultimate CORE) (CORE Series) by Kristine Mason Page A

When he lived in Russia, he was a heavyweight boxer and won a ton of fights. Some douche bag Russian mob guy unfortunately took interest in him and, after his career had ended, he was forced into working for the mob as a hitman. After a few years, Vlad tried to get out. It ended up costing him his family.” His jaw hardened. “If he returns to Russia, he’s a dead man. If the U.S. government knows about him, he’ll go to prison because of the man he used to work for, which would be better than being deported back to Russia.” The jet stopped and Harrison unbuckled his seatbelt. “Don’t judge him for his past. He’s not that guy anymore. Give him a chance. I think you’re going to love him.”
      She unbuckled her seatbelt, too. Normally she wasn’t judgmental, but she also didn’t associate with murderers or wanted men. “You said he was badass, and that he’d help us. I promise not to judge him.”
    He blew out a breath and stood. “Don’t be surprised if I remind you that you’ve said that.”
    Fifteen minutes later, Harrison parked the rental car that had been waiting for them at the Orlando airstrip in front an extended stay hotel.
    “Let’s make this fast,” she said, exiting the car. “He knows we’re coming, right?”
    “I called and sent him a text.”
    She rolled her eyes and looked to the star-filled sky. “Did he respond?”
    “Ah…sure.”
    “Liar. If he’s not here, we’re back on the jet. We might need his help, but we also can’t afford to waste time.”
    He led her up the steps to the outside door of suite twelve and stood under the small porch light. “I’m sure he’s here,” Harrison said, his tone lacking confidence as he knocked on the door. “He just hates texting. Says his fingers are too big to manage the buttons.”
    She crossed her arms and waited. If they’d made this stop for nothing, she was going to be furious. “Call him.”
      Harrison rapped on the door again, this time harder. “He’s probably sleeping. Give him a sec and then I’ll—”
    “Busy,” a man yelled from within the room.
    Harrison pounded on the door. “Open up.”
    “чёрт возьми! Coming,” the man called. “Hold onto horse’s rein.”
    “Your friend sounds like that Boris guy from Rocky and Bullwinkle,” Lola whispered.
    Harrison chuckled. “That’s exactly what I thought when I first met him,” he said, as heavy footsteps approached.
    The knob jiggled, just before the door cracked open a couple of inches. “Harry?” The door swung open and a bare chested, giant of a man filled the threshold. “Harry,” he repeated, hauling Harrison into a big, bear hug.
    She smothered a grin as she watched Harrison’s feet dangle a foot off the ground.
    “It good to see Vlad’s comrade,” the Russian said, setting Harrison’s feet back on the concrete. “Vlad prefer reunion in daytime, but—”
    “Didn’t you get my text?” Harrison asked, rubbing his upper arms. “I tried calling, left a voice mail, then texted you.”
    “Vlad phone kaput. Take Vlad advice. Don’t drink and hot tub with phone.”
    “But I just bought that for you three months ago after your other phone went kaput when your girlfriend shattered it. I hope you’re not still dating her, by the way.”
    “Misty?” The Russian shook his white-blond head. “Vlad kick Misty to the side of street.”
    “You kicked her to the curb,” Harrison corrected him. “And, by the way, it’s hold your horses, not hold onto horse’s rein.”
    The big man frowned. “Would not Harry hold horse’s rein to stop it?”
    “Yes, but—”
    “No but,” Vlad said, waving a hand and finally looking at her. His mouth curved into a grin. “Ah, Harry surprise Vlad. Harry no longer like fiery redhead, but sexy Asian girl. Vlad approve.”
    Oh, this guy was too much. Lola straightened her shoulders. “Sorry, Vlad, but me no love Harry long time,” she said, and cocked her brow. “Harry, hand me the keys and get