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Why the fuck didn’t Konstantin mention what Elias wanted in exchange? I would’ve killed him on the spot.

Removing my cell, I call him, the phone ringing a few times before his voice comes through.

“Cillian, what a pleasure it is to hear from you. How can I help you, my brother?”

I ignore the brother part and cut right to the chase. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me what he wanted in exchange for the permit?”

“Ah, so you spoke to him.” There’s a hint of amusement laced in his tone.

“I did. Tell me why you didn’t say shit.”

“Because…I wanted to see what you would do once you found out on the spot.” He pauses. “Whatdidyou do?”

“What do you think I did?”

He chuckles. “Oh, Cillian, Cillian. You know, it’s a shame we won’t get to be a family. Of all the men I could choose, I would choose you for her. Every time.”

Pressing two fingers into my temple, I take a deep breath. What the hell do I even say to that? I can’t admit what she means to me, though I’m sure he already knows.

“Next time, you’d better tell me.”

He sighs. “Look, if you don’t want her, then she’s not your responsibility. You leave her protection to me, and you? Well, you find someone else to make you happy. You let her go once and for all.”

Does he know what happened at the club? Is that why he’s saying this shit?

Unfortunately for me, there’s no one else. Never will be. I’m royally fucked.

“Yeah, thanks for the advice. Why don’t you take your own?”

His laugh is low and contemplative. “That isn’t in my future. The last thing I want is a woman to complicate my already complicated life. Do you know what I mean?” He snickers. “Of course you do. Well, good day, my friend, and please accept my sincere gratitude in getting rid of the problem.”

He drops the call, and I shake my head at the mess in my kitchen.

Nothing like christening the new place with a little blood. Or a lot, in my case.

CHAPTER22

DINARA

Getting out of my car,I glance over my shoulder, an eerie sensation crawling up my spine. It feels as though someone’s watching me, and I can’t shake the unease settling in my chest.

My footsteps falter as I climb the stairs, heading toward the safety of my front door. I tell myself it’s fine. No one can get to me here. Konstantin makes sure of that. He has eyes everywhere. If anyone tries anything, he will make them pay.

But at what cost? Who else would have to die just to protect me?

Am I even worth it? I couldn’t protect my own mother. Why do I deserve protection?

With a sigh, I step inside, shedding my shoes and coat before heading straight up to my room. It was nice to see Natalia and Alisa earlier, but all I really want right now is to curl up in bed, surrounded by memories of Cillian. The photos from that weekend we spent in New York are all I have left, and looking at them breaks me every time. We were so happy then. But that feels like a lifetime ago.

The moment I collapse onto the mattress, I bury my face in the pillow, but then…something hits me. The unmistakable scent ofhim.

For a moment, I think I’m imagining it. My mind is playing tricks on me, conjuring his presence when he’s not here. I even thought I saw him earlier—some guy in a hoodie and sunglasses, staring at me across the street—but when I looked back, he was gone.

Great. I’ve officially lost my mind.

But as I inhale deeply, the unmistakable scent fills my senses, and I know it’s real. I’m not crazy.

Or maybe I am…