Page 48 of Mile High Ruin

“I’m saying it because it is true.”

“You own half the companies involved in getting people onto these aircraft.”

“Not half.”

I stare at him. He has the sense not to finish that thought.

For a few seconds, neither of us speaks. Then Vadim exhales and rests one hand against the edge of the counter behind him, still keeping his distance.

“You are allowed to regret what happened.”

The words catch me off guard.

He continues before I can interrupt. “You are allowed to decide this is a mistake, or that you don’t want it to happen again, or that you want nothing from me beyond employment. None of that changes what I think of you.”

My throat tightens.

I hate that he’s being reasonable now. It would be easier if he were arrogant. Easier if he laughed or dismissed me or said something cruel enough that I could walk away cleanly.

Instead, he looks at me with a restraint that makes the whole thing feel worse.

“You don’t have to comfort me.”

“I’m not comforting you.”

“You are.”

“I’m telling you that you have misunderstood me.”

“Maybe I don’t care.”

That one lands. His face still doesn’t change much, but something in his eyes closes.

I know I should stop. I don’t.

“I need to finish my work.”

Vadim studies me for another moment.

Then he nods. “Fine.”

There’s no anger in it. That somehow makes me feel smaller.

He turns toward the galley entrance.

I speak before I can stop myself. “Are you going to tell the agency?”

He looks back. “Tell them what?”

“That I’m unprofessional.”

His expression becomes unreadable. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because you are not.”

I swallow. That should make me feel better, but it doesn’t.