Page 21 of The Brat: Prequel

Maxim: Look, I’m on heavy meds. Can we not go through the Russian Inquisition, please? You’re worse than Nikolai

Victoria: Nikolai?

Maxim: Veles

Victoria: He’s the Pakhan for Miami, right?

Maxim: Not for long. I hope.

Victoria: What does that mean?!

Maxim: It means nobody will dare target you again.

Victoria: Should I be scared?

Maxim: Don’t lie to me, kotik. We both know nothing scares you

Victoria: Semi-lie.

Maxim: Half-truth

Victoria: Semantics

Victoria: What’s going to happen, Maxim?

Maxim: Revolution

Maxim: There’s no need to be nervous.

Victoria: I’m not nervous. I’m worried. There’s a difference

Maxim: This will make you untouchable

Victoria: Even from you?

Maxim: If that’s what you want

Victoria: A part of me knows I should hate you

Victoria: And I’m so furious with you

Victoria: But

Victoria: I missed you

Maxim: We shouldn’t talk about this.

Victoria: I’ll be eighteen next year

Maxim: What are your plans?

Victoria: I don’t know yet.

Maxim: College?

Victoria: Yes. Of course. Unless...?

Maxim: No unless. Do you want to go to college?