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I pull my lower lip into my mouth and let the tears well up as I shake my head. “I don’t know. I called him, but he told me something was going on and he couldn’t talk. I don’t know what’s going on. He hasn’t called me back yet and I’m starting to get worried about him.”
My heart races as I stare at the man in front of me. Uncle Lev leans against the counter, the frown softening slightly. He sighs and shakes his head.
“I just hope that all will be well. I have a feeling something big has happened in the last few days, but Ivan hasn’t exactly been open about telling me. Maybe you have a little more insight.”
I shake my head, even though I know everything that Ivan’s been dealing with throughout the last couple of weeks. “No. He doesn’t talk about business at home.”
“Strange. He could never shut up when it came to the things, he wanted to do with the Bratva when it was finally his. I always envied him that passion. My nephew always saw the potential for more. Just like when he saw you and brought you into the family.”
Although bile rises in my throat and my stomach turns, I fake a smile. “Thank you, Uncle Lev. I know this is a challenging time for all of us, but Ivan knows what he’s doing.”
“'It’s not surprising that you think that,” says Uncle Lev, his voice sharpening as the frown reappears. “You're young. He may be older than you, but he’s still young in my eyes. Too young to have that kind of responsibility on his shoulders. I wish his father had come to his senses before he died.
I eye the distance between him and the knives on the counter. Uncle Lev is not the kind of man you trust. Not if you want to stay alive.
He chuckles and steps between me and the knives. “You know, I wondered if anyone would ever find out. But I never thought it would be you. You're clever, aren’t you? Not as trusting as my dear nephew.”
My eyes narrow as my pulse speeds up. “I learned a long time ago not to trust family.”
Dad has let me down my entire life. He left Lily in hospital and although I visited her whenever I could, it’s clear he never did. Now that she’s home, I’m sure she’ll realize how disappointing our father can be.
If I survive this, I’ll have to talk to Ivan about helping my sister.
“Such a smart woman. You fit in well with mafia life, you know that, don’t you?”
I shrug, trying to pretend that he doesn’t scare the hell out of me. “And you’re not that bright. Not when you leave cyanide crystals lying around in your library.”
Uncle Lev raises an eyebrow, a sinister grin stretching from one side of his face to the other. “So that’s how you found out. By snooping around my house.”
“I was not snooping. I was hiding from Nik. I thought he was the one who wanted to bring Ivan down.” I cross my arms and wish I'd grabbed the gun from the cupboard above the sink after I'd spoken to Ivan on the phone.
I should have been prepared for this.
Uncle Lev approaches me as my muscles tense, and I start to tremble. My stomach twists and turns as my life plays out before my eyes. I know that only one of us will walk out of this room today. I doubt it’s going to be me.
Shit. Where is Ivan? Why am I again alone in this situation?
“Nik is strong, and he is very loyal. A good man. He would never betray the people he cares about. I, on the other hand, can’t say I’m a good man.” Uncle Lev draws his gun and points it at my head. “Too bad I have to tell my nephew that you tried to attack and kill me. He’s not going to like that very much.”
“You don’t have to do this,” I say, tears rolling down my cheeks as I look at him. “You could leave now, and I would never tell Ivan you were here.”
Uncle Lev shakes his head, his finger curling around the trigger. “I’m sorry, princess, but you’re too much trouble for me.”
Chapter 22 - Ivan
“What the hell is going on here?” I yell as I walk into the kitchen and see Uncle Lev pointing a gun at Sophia.
Tears stream down her red cheeks but there is a hardness in her gaze that speaks volumes. Whatever is happening here is more than just my uncle aiming a gun at my wife.
“I asked a question,” I say, my voice growing louder as I make my way to Sophia’s side. “What the fuck is happening here? I won’t repeat myself a third time, so you better answer me, Uncle Lev. I will not be walking into my own home to find you holding my wife at gunpoint.”
Uncle Lev chuckles and lowers the gun, although it is still pointed at Sophia. “Your little bitch of a wife has just interfered in a family matter, nephew. It would be much better if you and I could discuss this without her.”
Sophia reaches out and grips my arm. She gives a slight shake of her head when I look down at her, all the color draining from her face.
She’s scared of Uncle Lev. Why?
“Watch your mouth, how dare you insult my wife,” I snarl at him. I cross my arms and take a step in front of her. “Let’s talk, now!” I've never spoken to my uncle in such an angry tone.
