Page 73 of Deadly Knight

Maybe if he told me what all that is, I could be more cooperative.Just maybe, because it doesn’t change being left in the dark, or that he swept me away from my home and job without fully explaining.

With a frustrated noise, I back deeper into the bathroom, because bodily needs are coming above everything else. At least he locked me in somewhere useful.

I twist, taking in the bathroom easily triple in size than my apartment’s. To my left, there’s a glass, luxurious-looking shower and a clawfoot tub beside it. To my right, a long, black marble countertop with two sinks rests below a wall-sized mirror that’s edged with light.

It’s the person reflected back who makes me flinch. Eyes ringed with smudged makeup, and the lipstick I so carefully applied for my date has faded. My hair’s a rat’s nest, presumablyfrom being carted around, and raking my fingers through it doesn’t help much. So, I reach for the comb resting beside the sink, amongst Dimitri’s toothbrush and shaving kit.

I look exhausted, like someone who went through the wringer, which I suppose is exactly what happened. If I wasn’t planning on getting out of the mansion as soon as this door opens, I’d consider a shower. For now, that’ll have to wait until I’m home.

How? Without a passport, any form of ID, or money, I’m fucked.

As I attempt to brush the tangles from my hair, my attention catches on the two red lines around my neck. Faint, but they certainly weren’t there before my date. What the hell did Ivan do to me? Rope, cuffs, or something else?

My lungs feel heavier at the thought, my breath becoming stilted. Dimitri never explainedwhathe saved me from, and I really wish he did. My fingers brush the marks again before pulling my hair over my shoulders and hiding them from view.

There’s a skinny door at the other end of the bathroom and, presuming it’s the toilet, I head there.

Upon returning, a noise comes from the other side of the bathroom door, and I rush forward. A moment later, whatever Dimitri put against the door to trap me inside is moved, and it swings open, revealing a woman.

Long, black hair covers much of her face until she flicks it over her shoulder, revealing an insanely pretty face. Intense blue eyes with thick lashes accompanied by smooth skin I’d learn to kill for.

She studies me as intently as I do her before reaching her hand out, as though finding a woman trapped in Dimitri’s bathroom is at all normal and calls for handshakes.

“Vanessa Volkov. Nice to meet you. I’m Dimitri’s?—”

“Cousin,” I cut her off, slowly nodding, now seeing the same eyes from numerous portraits that once hung throughout the mansion, belonging then to a much younger face.

I never got the chance to meet Vanessa, since she was always at boarding school. When she was home for the holidays, most of Dimitri’s other family members were also around, so he kept me away from the mansion.

At her feet, a Doberman puppy runs by her, dancing around my legs. Normally, I’d bend to pet the animal, except cousin or not, staying alert is important until knowing what to expect from Vanessa.

Dimitri is one thing…but I remember the stories of his uncle, which would be Vanessa’s father. If she’s anything like her father or Ivan, then this bathroom might be the safest place for me. With the door closed and locked.

“Hey,” she greets, drawing out the word, like I’m the one to fear. “Sorry for what Dimitri did.”

“Not your fault.” I think.

She steps aside, gesturing for me to leave the bathroom. I do, keeping her in view while heading near the bed.

She remains motionless, folding her hands together in front of her. “You okay? He’s a moron. I couldn’t believe my eyes when he carried you in here. It’s nice to meet you. Finally.”

“Likewise. I think.” There’s a softness in her eyes that isn’t anything like Ivan. Besides, Dimitri left me here after raving about keeping me safe. If his cousin was anything like his father, surely he wouldn’t?

“Hungry? Let’s get you food.”

My shoulders lower with a deep breath, and my stomach growls, suggesting how many hours it’s been since I last ate. Dinner with Caleb, whenever that was.

She takes a step, but I don’t, my body trying to catch up to what my mind’s decided: She’s safe.

“I won’t hurt you.” She separates her hands to hold them up. “No one here will, I promise. I vow it on my position as Pakhan.”

“Pakhan.” I blink, recalling old conversations about the Bratva’s structure. “The leader, right?”

She dips her head. “My papa is dead. Ivan’s in Toronto, as you know. None of my father’s old soldiers are around. The only people who live here are myself and Dimitri, and Anastasia and Lev, whom you’re about to meet. Oh, and my husband, Zeno, comes around sometimes. Ex-husband, I suppose, but future fiancé as well.”

“Am I supposed to follow that?”

She laughs. “Long story. We have a small band of soldiers who monitor the property on rotation, who you’ll barely notice or see. Everyone here would die to protect you.”