Page 12 of Beautifully Ruined

My threat was brilliant. I just didn’t expect this move, and I fucking well should have. This is a bratva pakhan, not some schlub on the street.

He’s fucking dangerous. Unstable enough to have shot dead a man he needs. Not only because he gets I’m better than his computer guy was, but because he said no to Ivan.

And the guy didn’t refuse to do what he was asked, he just wasn’t able to. But for Ivan, it amounted to the same thing.

He killed him point blank.

He hasn’t shot Vi.

Yet.

So… He needs me.

There’s a dark beat of hesitation inside. One where I know just how fucked I am.

We’re dead if Enzo doesn’t do his thing fast.

I could try and buy more time, taunt Ivan.

He’s not going to kill me. Not yet.

He’d prefer not to have the FBI and the cops all over his ass. I know how it goes.

He’s bratva, but if he is a diplomat, then he has other business, other people who he answers to back in Russia.

So, he’s likely to keep me alive. At least, long enough to undo what I said I did, long enough to have me do whatever else he wants. And maybe that’ll buy Vi precious time, too.

Or maybe he’ll just put a bullet in her head to show me he’s not fucking around.

“Hurt her,” I push out, knowing exactly the deal I’m signing with my words, “and I won’t do a fucking thing for you.”

Andronski is the type not to give up an upper hand. He shrugs. “So, I kill you both.”

“Kill me, and your fate’s sealed.”

“As is yours.”

“Harm her, kill her, and my fate’s sealed any way. I’ll put my head against your gun’s barrel and pull that trigger myself.”

Ivan shoves his gun harder at her, and she whimpers.

I hold her gaze.

He scoffs. “I can’t stand romantic fools. Are you doing this, or do I kill you both? I give you my word, you stop this, and she lives.”

I can’t risk her, not any more than I already am.

“Fine.” I know Ivan is going to kill me anyway if no one comes through the door.

Maybe not today, but he’ll kill me.

I just pray he’ll let her go.

No. I fucking pray my cavalry will get here in time.

I huff out a breath. “I’ll do it.”

“Cade!” her breathless slip of my name is acid.