Page 38

I down my vodka in one swallow, feeling the burn. If only it were that simple.

“She's Igor Lebedev's daughter,” I say, setting my empty glass down with more force than necessary. “You brought her in for leverage. I'm guarding her accordingly.”

My brothers exchange glances. They've rarely heard me defend my actions.

“Of course,” Nikolai says smoothly, though his eyes narrow slightly. “Your dedication is admirable, but balance is important.”

I check my watch. Three hours and twenty-seven minutes now.

“Has she given you any useful information?” Dmitri asks, leaning back in his seat. “Her father's operations, security protocols, anything we can use?”

“She's smart. Cautious.” I choose my words carefully. “Won't break easily.”

Alexi snorts into his drink. “I bet she won't.”

I shoot him a warning glance. His face is a picture of innocence, but I know that glint in his eye.

“I've been analyzing her company's security systems,” Alexi says, redirecting. “Impressive work. She's built something nearly impenetrable.”

“Nearly?” Nikolai raises an eyebrow.

“For anyone else, completely impenetrable,” Alexi corrects himself, grinning. “For me, a delightful challenge.”

The conversation shifts to business, which suits me fine. I nurse a fresh whiskey, contributing the minimum required words while my mind drifts back to the compound. To Katarina's face when I told her about my siblings. The gentle pressure of her hand on mine. How she listened without trying to fix the unfixable.

No one's ever seen that part of me. No one's ever been allowed to.

“Erik.” Nikolai's voice cuts through my thoughts. “Are we boring you?”

“No,” I straighten. “Just thinking about security rotations.”

“Right,” Dmitri drawls. “Security rotations put that look on your face.”

I maintain my neutral expression, but something must show in my eyes because Nikolai studies me for a long, uncomfortable moment.

“Just remember who she is,” Nikolai says. “And who we are.”

I don't need the reminder. The Lebedev name is etched into my brain alongside her scent, her taste, and the sounds she makes when I?—

“Hello? Earth to Erik?” Alexi waves his hand in front of my face. “I swear you're somewhere else tonight.”

I glare at him, but it just makes him grin wider.

“You know what? We need a break. All of us.” Alexi slams his glass down. “Let's do a boys' weekend. The cabin in the mountains right now. No phones, no business, just vodka and possibly some regrettable decisions.”

Dmitri chuckles. “Some of us have responsibilities, little brother.”

“You mean you're whipped,” Alexi counters. “Both of you. Nikolai can't be away from Sofia for more than twelve hours without going into withdrawal.”

Nikolai doesn't deny it, just shrugs. “When you find the right woman, you'll understand.”

The irony isn't lost on me as I sit there, desperately calculating how to get out of this without revealing my own... attachment.

“What about you, Erik?” Alexi turns those too-knowing eyes on me. “You're not tied down. And the compound has round-the-clock security. Viktor is perfectly capable of managing things for the weekend.”

My jaw tightens. The bastard knows exactly what he's doing.

“I should stay,” I manage. “The Lebedev situation is delicate.”