Page 57 of Deadly Knight

Nervously, I glance towards the students, but most seem to be focused on their work.

“I’ll see you tonight.” His warm breath blows across my cheek before he releases me again, fire in his dark eyes. While it’s not unpleasant, it’s also not relaxing either. With feet heavier than bricks, I manage to turn and head for the door, feeling his gaze on me.

It isn’t until I’m in the hallway and shutting the door that reprieve comes in the form of a deep breath and the space I give myself by walking away.

I can’t watch this.

Still, I follow his car.

I have to stop.

Still, I park across the street from the restaurant.

I need to get her away from him.

Still, I watch through the window as he pushes in her chair.

As she smiles at him.

As she looks like achertova boginya—fucking goddess—in her little black dress. It’s simple, but I can’t stop staring.

She’s not yours anymore.

She’ll always be mine.

She hasn’t been for years.

She has, she simply doesn’t know it.

Logic and desire wrestle within the confines of my mind until it’s quite possible I’ll go insane. Or perhaps insanity has already happened, hence why I’m unable to look away when he reaches across the table for her hand.

I’m going to kill him.

Happily. Slowly. Consequences be damned.

What consequences?

I tear my gaze away, hands tight around the steering wheel, and my attention drops to the ribbon around my wrist. It’s my claim on her, but the fact it’s aroundmywrist says it all.

It’s never easy seeing Katya with anyone else, but this feels likemore. Maybe it’s because, with others, she acts like a spooked bunny who’ll bolt if they breathe wrong. With this one, she’s looking like?—

I don’t even finish the thought, wrenching my gaze away from the couple once again. The way she’s sparkling under his attention breaks me—what little of me is left.

She might be sparkling, but I can make her glow…if she gives me another chance.

Take it.

God, how many times has that sick fantasy creeped up over the years? To forgo all respect and kidnap her, lock her away to keep her safe from my father and anyone who’d harm her.

Except she’d hate me, and that’s the only thing ever stopping me.

If Katya weren’t so smart, I’d kill anyone she went out with. But after the second death, I doubt she’d think it’s a coincidence. She’d know it was more; maybe that it was specifically my doing.

When my phone buzzes, I’ve never been happier for a distraction.

“Da?”

Lev’s voice comes through. “Normally, a person’s contact information is easy to find, but the Corsettis hide well—not surprising. Regardless, the underboss, Rafael Corsetti, owns a sex club in Montreal. Public business means public contact information, so I got in touch with them. Didn’t say who you are, only that you’re a businessman with an offer for their boss. The staff said she’d pass your number to him. Not a guarantee, but it’s a start.”