“Aristov. YA obrashchayus’ k tebe.”
Aristov. I’m talking to you.
“A ya ne slushayu.”
And I’m not listening.
I shoved the plate away and grabbed my napkin, wiping my mouth. By the time I stood, whipping around to face him, I had the steak knife in position, driving the blade against his carotid artery. “YA sovetuyu vam uyti pryamo seychas, inache vy stolknotes’ s posledstviyami.”
I suggest you leave now or face the consequences.
I’d grinned as I’d made the suggestion, noticing the offending asshole only had one soldier with him. The man was an idiot and, in my mind, he deserved to die for that alone. But my suit was new, meant to impress my date and I wasn’t interested in having it dry cleaned.
He held up his hands, gritting his teeth.
I cocked my head, nodding as if offering a chance to live.
When I pulled the knife away, I remained where I was. He threw Arina a look then backed away, spitting when he did.
What a pig.
While he headed through the crowd toward the door, I didn’t move, watching until he’d disappeared. Fuck the asshole.
Exhaling, I finally sat back down, annoyed as hell.
“Why do they keep doing that?” she asked.
“Because we are a formidable couple.”
“You are my weakness,” Arina teased.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret. You’re mine.”
She blushed a beautiful shade of rose and I had to admit, I was growing very fond of her. I picked up my napkin, settling it into my lap.
When a single shot rang out, I reacted instantly, yanking out my weapon and jerking to a standing position, knocking the chair over in the process. The customers went crazy, scampering to get away while I searched the crowd.
“Kirill,” Arina whispered.
“It’s okay. Just a warning shot.”
“Ki-rill…”
Hearing the terror in her voice, I spun around to face her. Her face was ashen, her eyes open wide.
And the beautiful light pink dress she’d chosen to wear was now stained with red.
“No. No. No!”
“No!”
Jerking up, I ripped at whatever was holding me down, struggling to find my weapon.
“Kirill. Calm down. Just calm down.”
Still fighting, I finally opened my eyes as the lilting voice created a recognizable vacuum. My fingers had a firm grip on something. What was going on? What had happened?
“That’s it. I’m right here. Just breathe. You’re fine. You’re going to be just fine.”
