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“So, as I said, I have something you want. And you have something I want.”
Oscar’s eyes turn murderous while I gloat at the sight.
“I will give Astra what she’s wanted this entire time…what she risked her life for. The details of Alek’s supplier.” When Oscar pales, I use it as fuel to continue. “I will tell you everything on the proviso that you…that you give him back to me.”
He’s soon to recover, and his poker face slips back into place. “Astra is alive?” he mocks, pressing a hand over his heart as if expressing surprise. “This is news to me. The moment everything turned to mayhem, I gathered what belonged to me and left. Thankfully, my men are loyal. Unlike Alek’s.”
I leave half-moons in my palms as I dig my fingernails into the flesh to stop from lashing out and throttling him to death. How dare he refer to Saint as belonging to him?
He belongs to me.
But I don’t allow it to affect me because it seems Pavel knows this vile creature after all. He knew Oscar would deny knowledge of Astra surviving the blast.
“Oh, well, I suppose it’s up to me to tell her the good news then. Although, I’m sure she won’t be too happy knowing you denied her the knowledge she risked her life for.”
His hands curl into claws while I smile confidently. “You’re lying.”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” I attempt to push past him, but his hand snaps out, and he grasps my forearm in warning. I don’t allow him to intimidate me, though, because I can see it in his soulless eyes.
I’ve won.
“You don’t expect to just walk out of here, do you?” His grip is punishing, but it gives me the strength to go on.
I giggle manically in response. “Of course not. What do you take me for? You’re bad for letting me in.”
His face drops, unsure of why I’m laughing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Once I’m done cackling at his expense, I level him with nothing but utter hatred. “It means, I have friends of my own. How do you think I knew about Astra? And how do you think I know that…Saint is here?”
His grip falters.
“Give me what I want, and this doesn’t have to end badly for you. You can run to Astra like the good little dog that you are and attempt to worm your way back into her good graces.” God, that felt liberating. My confidence spurs me on. “I’m sure she isn’t too happy with you for allowing Saint to get under your skin. Maybe if you were a little more…focused, he wouldn’t have slipped a small thing like a bomb past you.”
His breathing is deep. He’s seconds away from killing me.
It should scare me.
It doesn’t.
Standing on tippy toes, I close the distance between us, and whisper, “But it’s okay. I know what it’s like to have him under your skin.”
Oscar snarls, my comment hitting home.
I’m awaiting some form of punishment for my insolence, but none comes. Just as quickly as Oscar turned murderous, his demeanor changes, and he smirks—a cat got the mouse kind of smirk.
“Well, look at you. Talking big. But can you back your words?”
“You know I can,” I bite back, still on tippy toes.
He’s the first to retreat, which thrills me.
I watch as he begins to pace the room, clearly deep in thought with what to do next. “How?”
Tsking him, I shake my head at his stupidity. “Oh, silly lamb,” I patronize. “You didn’t think I’d come here without a foolproof plan, did you? I may be your prisoner, but we’re both prisoners to our wants. If my friends don’t hear from me, they’ll tell Astra everything.”
He stops pacing and strokes his chin in thought.
“And when she finds out…” I whistle, indicating shit will hit the fan for him. Keeping this from her is a death wish on his behalf.
