Page 45

“Do you?” She leans back, studying me. “Because I wonder if you’re forgetting who you really work for.”

My jaw clenches. “I haven’t forgotten anything.”

Eva’s voice turns silky. “Then prove it. Tell me something useful. Something I can use.”

I hesitate, torn between loyalty to Eva and the growing urge to protect Brie. The woman across from me represents everything I thought I wanted: power, respect, a place in a world where strength is everything. But now, faced with betraying Brie’s trust, I’m not so sure.

“There’s some discrepancy in the casino’s books,” I finally offer. “Nothing major, but enough to raise eyebrows. The CFO, Sophie Johnson, might know more.”

“Now that’s interesting. I wonder what the widow knows about that.”

“I don’t think she’s involved,” I say quickly, then curse myself for the defensive tone.

Eva’s smile is razor-sharp. “My, my. You seem to have fallen under her golden spell.”

“Boss—”

She cuts me off with a wave of her hand. “Let me remind you of something, Dominika. Everything you are, everything you have, everything I can give you—it’s because of the Consortium. Don’t forget that.”

I think of my father, of the legacy he left me. Of the place I wanted in the Consortium. But then Brie’s face flashes in my mind again—her vulnerability, her strength, the way she looks at me like I’m more than just a weapon.

“I remember everything the Consortium has done for me, Eva,” I say, my voice low. “And I know who I am.”

Eva leans back on her hands, shaking back the dark waves of her hair. “So who are you, Dominika? The loyal soldier your father raised you to be? Or some lovesick fool ready to throw it all away for a pretty face?”

“I’m not—” I start indignantly, and then bite my tongue and make a decision. “The Colombos are worried about encroachment from the Triads. That’s why Brie was so interested in our offer.” The lie sounds plausible. Who knows, it might even be true.

And at least it seems to satisfy Eva, who raises an eyebrow. “Is that so? Well, that is useful information.” She studies me for a long moment. “I do hope you’re not holding anything back, Nik. You know how I feel about disloyalty.”

“I know my place,” I repeat.

“See that you remember it. You have my permission to help this widow find her vengeance, as long as she will sign the contract at the original price. And now I think you’ve had enough to eat. I knowIhave.”

I stand, my legs a little unsteady. As I turn to leave, Eva’s voice stops me.

“Oh, and Nik? Give my regards to Mrs. Colombo, won’t you? Tell her I look forward to the day she signs that contract.”

I give a quick nod, grab my boots, and then exit the little room as fast as I can without running. I head back on foot to the Golden Sands, just a few blocks away.

What the hell am I doing? I just lied to Eva Novak. My boss. One of the most powerful arms dealers in the world, who could squash me like a bug.

And for what? For a woman I barely know?

But the life I thought I wanted—the power, the respect, the sense of belonging to something bigger than myself—suddenly feels hollow compared to…

Compared to the way Brie makes me feel.

Like maybe there’s more to life than being a perfect soldier for the Consortium.

CHAPTER 20

Brie

I followFrank and Larry to the room where they’re holding Vince, Larry muttering under his breath now and then. I ignore him and force myself to stay composed.

I’ve always known these places existed in the casino. Soundproofed, steel-doored, inescapable. But I’ve never entered one myself. And as Frank pushes open the heavy door, the first thing that hits me is the smell—sweat, blood, desperation. My eyes take a moment to adjust to the darkness, one spotlight shining down harshly onto the man himself.

Vince Sabatelli.