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This makes him tilt his head. Probably because he knows damn well I don’t know where to get one that won’t require a waiting period. And, even if I did, I would have already done it.

“He will.” Rurik gives me a nod that’s more like a promise. “But not by you.”

“It’s because of me.” The words come out heavier than I expected.

I suppose guilt weighs more as the victims of my actions pile up.

“Mira, you’re not killing anyone.” Megan shoves me playfully. “And I told you, this is as much my fault as yours.”

I shake my head. If she knew, she’d understand.

And I’d lose her friendship.

My stomach chooses that moment to make a rude entrance into the conversation with a grumble. Rurik frowns at me with atold you solook.

“I’m taking her home.”

“Rurik. I already told you; I’m not going with you.”

He moves, three steps in one sweeping stride, to stand toe to toe with me. I have to tilt my head back in order to glare up at him.

“And I told you; you were. You can’t stay at your apartment, and you’re not staying here.”

“Why not? She can stay here.” Megan argues on my behalf.

“Rurik will keep her safe.” Alexander enters the chat, of course siding with his friend.

“It’s not about that. If I stay with him, it will onlyencourage him.” I try to turn to look at Alexander, but Rurik grabs my chin, pulling me back to his gaze.

“No more arguing. We’re going home.”

“Are you going to let me come and go as I please, or are you going to lock me away like this guy did to Megan?”

“To be fair, he had caught me snooping around, and he didn’t know me at the time,” Megan interjects.

“Until this problem with the DeAngelos is finished, you can’t go walking around by yourself. It’s too dangerous.”

“I get that, and I don’t completely disagree, but you can’t just lock me in a room or something. You have to let me come and go whenever I want. I mean, I’ll let you come with me if you need to.”

“You’ll let me escort you?” The left side of his mouth tugs upward, but he’s good at stopping himself before a full smile breaks out.

“Or don’t.” I lift a shoulder.

His nostrils flare when he exhales.

“I think you forget who’s in charge.” His voice dips into the dangerous zone.

If I was smart, I’d back away, but again, pushing boundaries is my specialty.

“I know you think you are, but we’re home now. I can get around the city without you, and I don’t need you to protect me here.”

His jaw clenches, and I’m almost positive I heard something crack.

“A cab just pulled up.” A deep voice cuts through thethickening air filling the space between me and my still kidnapper.

From the corner of my eye, I notice a man has entered the room with us. Striking a strong resemblance to Alexander, I assume he must be another Volkov brother. Maybe the middle one, he has a more mature look around his eyes. His hair is neatly brushed away from his face and he’s dressed in a business suit as though he’s on his way to the office.

“Ivan.” Rurik’s dark tone pulls my attention back to him to find his glare still settled on me even as he greets his friend.