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“He’d never want you to give up something important to you, just to benefit the family.”
“It’s not up to him.”
“Stop being a stubborn ass.” She swats at my arm. “Take what you want. It’s yours, all you have to do is grab it.”
I fold my arms and lean back against the front door. “Why are you encouraging this? Larysa said you were a total bitch to her the other day.”
“Look, my hormones have been on a runaway rollercoaster ride for the past six months. I can’t wait for this baby to come out so I can start thinking and acting like a normal person again.” She smiles. “I was wrong. It wasn’t any more her fault for what happened to Irina than it was my fault for what my father did to you guys. It was an emotional day and yeah, I was a bitch.”
“Apologize.”
“I will.” She winks at me and quirks her thumb at the kitchen behind her. “Don’t forget to grab some brownies. I made them just the way you like.”
My stomach rumbles when I finally pay attention to the decadent chocolate aroma wafting into the hallway. I place a hand on Larysa’s shoulder. She looks up, startled as she piles cookies and brownies onto a plate.
“I’ll be back. And don’t worry about Natasha. I took care of it.”
Larysa quirks an eyebrow at me, then shakes off my hand. “I can take care of myself. Besides, she can wish death on me all she wants. Daniela and I are going back to New York after my performances are finished. I’ll hire as much security as I need. And my brothers will be there to help, too.”
I grab her wrist and pull her into the hallway. Natasha shoots me a curious glance as we pass. When Daniela tries to follow, Natasha takes her hand and brings her over to the table with a plate full of treats.
“You can’t just leave. I won’t let you do that.” My fingers dig into her shoulders.
“You don’t own me. This is my life we’re talking about. I’m going to live it the way I want, and in the way that’s best for my daughter.”
“So taking her away from here is best? Being out on your own, knowing there are people who want to hurt you is best?” I say through clenched teeth. “How is that smart or responsible?”
“it’s the right choice for us.”
“That’s it?” My jaw tenses. I grip her harder.
“Let me go. You had no problem doing it before.”
“Maybe things are different now.”
She shakes her head, her long hair swinging around her shoulders. Dots of pink color her cheeks, her forehead pinched with resolve. “No. They aren’t. You won’t change. Maybe it’s because you just can’t. That may be fine for someone else, but not for me. I’m not willing to settle. Daniela and I both deserve better.”
“You don’t mean that. You don’t want to go.”
“I want to save myself. And being with you can only hurt me. You’ll have to find some other way to find your real enemy.” Her lips pull into a tight line, her green eyes hardened like the thickest steel. “Go to your meeting. I’m sure they’re waiting for you.”
My fingers loosen and she backs away, turning on her heel. My chest pulls tight, a sharp pain jabbing my heart.
“Danil, what the fuck are you doing out there?” Luka’s voice carries from his office. “You can eat later.”
I drag a hand down the front of my face.
Fuck my life.
I trudge down the hallway toward the office, step inside, and close the door. Alek Severinov stands against a bookcase. I’ve never seen him sit. He always stands. It’s gotta be a power play strategy. Sitting means he can be overpowered, even at over seven-feet tall, and as head of Red Ladro, that perception can be dangerous. Standing gives him complete control over everyone below him.
My lips twist into a grimace.
This whole mess is partially his fault. I know he knows more than he’s saying, and with so many people at risk, I’m fed up with his “need to know basis” bullshit.
I want answers, and someone is gonna give them to me.
My brothers and Konstantin sit around Luka’s desk, looking up at me.
