“Leave us. I need a word with Rai.” Kirill’s voice pulls me out of my reverie and I quickly hide my phone.

I realize he’s speaking to Ruslan and Sasha since we’re the only four left here.

Ruslan doesn’t move until I nod at him. Sasha hesitates, staring between me and Kirill, her lips parting in clear worry.

“Boss—”

“What part of fucking leave do you not understand?” He cuts her off without sparing her a glance.

She jerks upright as if his command is a whip, then gives a sharp nod. Before moving, she chances one last unsure glance at me then slips out, closing the door behind her.

Kirill and I sit across from each other. I want to break his glasses and jam them in his eyes for the way he yelled at Sasha, but I remain calm since he’s the type of freak who gets off on strong emotions.

“I didn’t realize we were close enough to sit for tea after breakfast, Kirill.” I take a sip of my coffee while continuing to stare at him over the rim of my cup. I feel like I always need to watch the cunning fox to somehow grasp him.

“We’re not. Fortunately.”

“Fortunately. So to what do I owe this honorable meeting?”

“I’ve been wondering.”

“About?”

“When are you going to tell Sergei and the others about what you saw?”

“What I saw?”

“In the club. You remember now, don’t you?”

I never forgot, idiot.

“Oh, you mean your sexual preferences? I told you, I don’t want to use that against you unless you force my hand.”

“I’m forcing your hand, then. Tell them.”

“Why would you want me to tell them?” It doesn’t make any sense for him to dig his own grave.

“Don’t you want to destroy me? You have your chance, so fucking seize it.”

“No.” I was serious when I told Sasha I would rather never threaten him with that part of his life. Being gay is like being a woman in this world—though I suspect he’s bisexual. Point is, they’re an oppressed minority within any crime organization. Despite all his accomplishments for the Bratva, if this gets out, Kirill and his family would completely lose favor for something that shouldn’t be treated any differently than normal.

“I said. Do. It.”

“No, Kirill. What the hell is wrong with you?”

“If you don’t, I’ll kill your sister.”

I freeze, but keep my expression neutral. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Reina Ellis. Though, she’s Reina Carson now, yes?”

I choke on the coffee, splatters covering the table. “How…”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out about her with you holding something over my head? You hid her well, but I have my ways.”

“Kirill,” I warn.

“She’s been married to her childhood sweetheart for seven years now, right? He’s a lawyer and works for his father’s firm. They also have a beautiful little boy who was named after your father. Should I start with the child first? Would that give you a good enough incentive?”

I spring to my feet, pulling my gun from my bag, and point it at his head. “I’ll spill your brains here and now.”

“Kill me and an unfortunate gas accident will blow up their house. And since it’s the weekend, they’re all home today. Can you picture the headlines talking about the tragic event?”

My hand shakes as the reality of what will happen to Reina slams into me. Kirill wouldn’t hesitate to do it. He has a fucking talent for disguising every murder as an accident.

My worst nightmare is a reality. Everything I did to protect Reina from my life is biting me in the ass. Out of all people, it had to be Kirill.

“What the hell do you want?” I bite out.

“I’ll pretend I know nothing about Reina’s existence if you tell the brotherhood about me.”

“Why don’t you come out yourself?”

“That’s none of your fucking business. Just do as you’re told.” He stands up and buttons his jacket, uncaring about the gun that’s still pointed at him. “You have a day before the bomb goes off.”

As soon as he leaves, my hand with the gun falls to my side. The only thought in my head is that of the sister who’s the spitting image of me.

Reina.

I need to save Reina.

25

Rai

I’m asphyxiating on air by the time I reach Rei’s house.

The architecture is modern and the building is two stories with an attic. At least they were mindful of security since they chose a property that’s surrounded by tall, solid walls. Even their garage is inside the wall.

And when I say they were mindful of security, I meant I convinced them to buy something like this, because even seven years ago, I was sort of prepared for something like this to happen.

It’s the second time I’ve been here. It should be weird that I’m visiting my sister’s house for only the second time since she got married seven years ago, but for me, it was a perfectly normal decision.

I didn’t want to come before in case Kirill, Damien, or Mikhail had someone following me around. I didn’t trust that they wouldn’t find and hurt her.

But now, it’s over. Now, Kirill knows, and he won’t stop until I either fulfill his callous demands or he hurts my sister.

The sister I promised Mom I would protect with my life if I had to. Reina is the last connection I have to Mom and Dad. She’s one of the few people who make me feel as if I have a purpose in life.

Ruslan and Katia stand on either side of me as I hit the doorbell. Everything I did to protect her and her family doesn’t matter now that Kirill is on the hunt for their lives.

I need to get them out of here, send them somewhere and—

The door opens, my mouth agape with it. The person standing in front of me is the last one I expected to find here.

Kyle.

What the…

He’s nonchalantly carrying little Gareth on his shoulders. My nephew giggles, showing his missing teeth as he runs his toy car through my husband’s hair.

“What…what are you doing here?” I sound as confused as I feel.

“I’m paying Reina and Asher a visit.” His expression is as blank as his voice.