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“I already told her that.” Konstantin chuckles as he makes his way to the bar.

“Want a drink?” he asks.

I shake my head quickly. “No, thank you.”

He pours himself one and lowers down into his chair with a sigh. I can feel my stomach turn.

“So, how is everything with you and Cillian Quinn?” His tone is casual, but his eyes are sharp. “You had a good weekend?”

My heart skips. “Yes, I did.” I force a smile, glancing between them both. “He’s a great guy.”

Aleksei gives Konstantin a look—a silent conversation between them. The tension in the air thickens.

“Did he tell you about his mother?” Konstantin asks. “Or about his family at all?”

I frown, confused. “Uh, no… Only that she died.” I pause. “Why? Is something wrong?”

“It’s how she died that’s the problem.” Konstantin drains his glass, setting it down with a loud clink.

“What does that mean?” I gulp down the lump in my throat.

His jaw tightens, his gaze locking with mine. My stomach twists.

“I wasn’t forthcoming when I found out about you and him.”

“What are you talking about?” I ask, barely able to breathe, the chill of his words settling deep within me.

Aleksei cuts in, his voice icy. “Our father killed her.”

A bone-deep shiver races through me, as though hitting me from every side.

“What?” I can barely whisper, my head spinning. “I don’t understand. What are you saying?”

Konstantin throws his hands up. “Nu ti dalbayop.”You’re a dumbass.“I was going to ease her into this.”

“You take too long,” Aleksei mutters, arms crossed.

I’m struggling to take in enough air. “What the hell is going on?”

Konstantin leans in. “Let me explain. You see, Cillian is Irish Mob and?—”

“WHAT?! Oh my God, and you didn’t say anything? Especially after I told you about him! What the hell?”

“I know, I know. You’re pissed.” He dismisses my anger with a wave of his hand. “But I had reasons, and now you know them.” He offers me a half-smile. “I’ll tell you everything. Just don’t interrupt me this time, understand?”

I nod, my anger rising. While I was questioning whether Cillian even had ties to our world, Konstantin knew exactly who he was and kept it from me. And then there’s the part about his mother. What the hell do I even do with that?

“Cillian’s mother…” Konstantin continues. “She wasn’t just killed. She was burned alive, and he sent them a video of it, just to make it hurt more.”

I slap my hand over my mouth, trying to steady myself as the shock hits.

“His father and mine were at war. A detente was reached, but Cillian…he’s not a fan of ours still. And if he finds out you’re a Marinov, it’s going to be a problem.”

Tears sting at the back of my eyes. “But I…I didn’t kill his mother.”

“I don’t think that will matter to him.” He shrugs nonchalantly. “But you need to tell him. Before he finds out on his own.”

“He hates us. He’ll never stay with you if he knows you’re a Marinov.” Aleksei’s harsh words slice through the tension.