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“I have no use for a soldier who can’t fight. Galina thwarted you with ease at Tsar’s when you had access to both your hands.”
Kostya’s face pales when he hears me. Sweat beads on his face, and I know his mind is already racing to the worst possible ending for himself.
“Arsen Kirilovich, please.”
“Remember,” I add flatly, “that my orders to you are in effect even when you think I’m not around.” My voice darkens. “Especially when I’m not around.”
Kostya bows his head, shuffling away with Niro. “Yes, my pakhan. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“Today,” I hiss, “you get to live. But do it again, and I’ll slit your throat from ear to ear. Now get the fuck out of here.”
I watch them go until they vanish toward my house. Turning back, I consider the scuff marks in the dirt from where I attacked Kostya. It’s true that he was being crude about Galina … but I’m surprised at my reaction. I tell myself that it’s important to keep my men in check, lest I risk being overthrown because of showing any weakness.
But I can’t recall the last time I was so aggressive over something so minor.
Thinking about how he pretended to fondle Galina sends my blood simmering again. I acted instantly, barely keeping myself from punching him in the jaw. The restraint I managed was a challenge. But it shouldn’t have been. Galina is only a pawn … How can I let her affect me like this?
My shoes crunch on the loose gravel that covers the path. One of the white roses has begun to shed its petals. Bending down, I lift one up, holding it up in the sunlight. It’s as pale as she was. I’m not a fool. I know Galina doesn’t want to marry me. I gave her a ring, not a choice. I refuse to consider her wishes in the matter. I’ve fought too hard to get close to defeating Yevgeniy. Galina’s stage fright isn’t my concern.
“The weather is finally getting too cold for them,” Ulyana says behind me.
Dropping the petal, I turn toward her with a shrug. “It was only a matter of time. Did she pick out a dress?”
Ulyana arches her thin brows. “You don’t want to know if she’s okay?’”
“Just answer the question.”
“Yes, she chose a dress.”
Nodding, I reach for my phone. “Good. There’s still a lot to do. We can’t spend hours on every little task.” I start to walk by her; Ulyana shifts to block my path. Frowning harshly, I wait for her to move.
“Arsen Kirilovich.” She doesn’t budge. “This marriage … Is it wise?”
“Ulyana, I’m exhausted from arguing with Galina. Don’t take her side.”
“It’s not about sides.”
“Then what?” I snort. “Let me guess. She cried until you felt bad for what I’m making her do.”
Pursing her lips, she tugs at her left earring gently. The sapphire twinkles in the midday sun. I can’t believe she wears those daily, even now. “I’m worried about you.”
My neck twinges. “I’m fine.”
“Are you?” Gazing up at me through her short lashes, she waits a beat. “Have you prepared yourself to face the demons of your past?”
“My demons are dead,” I spit. “Nothing can hurt me anymore. Especially not the past.”
Closing her eyes, she hangs her head. “That’s exactly what I was afraid you would say.”
Drawing myself up, I fill my chest with air, like I’m prepping for a fight. In a way, I am. Ulyana is using insidious tactics on me that only she is capable of. She meets my stare, then wordlessly steps to the side, making room for me to exit the garden.
I don’t move a muscle. “You’re treading dangerous ground by speaking to me about this, Ulyana.”
“I’m aware.”
“And yet you persist. The things you’re bringing up are nothing more than memories. And memories are dead.”
“Yet if there’s one thing capable of inflicting everlasting pain, it’s the past.”
