Page 79 of Deadly Knight

Days pass,and I’m basically climbing the walls to escape and return to work. The only good thing about being trapped here is Dimitri’s family—Vanessa, Anastasia, and Vanessa’s Doberman puppy, Veles. I haven’t seen Zeno or Lev since my first day, but according to Anastasia, it’s not unlike her brother to hide by himself, and because he’s preparing for a trip to Rome.

Vanessa and Anastasia are really nice, though a bit suffocating—not that the reason is a mystery by any means. No matter what, one of them is always by my side. If Vanessa has business to do, then Anastasia babysits me.

It’s strange to consider in another life, these people would have been my friends. In a better life, where Dimitri’s father didn’t care about his relationships and we stayed together, and this future came to pass—the one where Vanessa is Dimitri’s boss—then I’d likely be around this mansion a lot, having been friends with his cousin and the other Elite members for years now.

In the days passing, thanks to Vanessa’s phone, I’ve cancelled my next session with Ava, in case Dimitri doesn’t getme home by then, and briefly spoken to my parents about our next Sunday lunch. They bought my lie about being out of the city on a conference for mental health professionals.

Vanessa loaned me her laptop—under her watchful eye—and I logged on to my work system to see, sure enough, my next few weeks were booked off. I don’t even have that much time banked up, and when I pointed it out, Vanessa briefly explained Lev’s capabilities. It annoys me they all went along with Dimitri’s plan and no one suggested an alternative for handling this.

I’ve gotten emails from coworkers—mostly Nora checking on me after not replying to her texts. Those I left unread, but it’s the email from this morning I hesitate over.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Katya,

I’d like the chance to explain, even though I understand why you’d want nothing to do with me. I don’t expect you to respond, so I’m just going to lay it all out.

I had a wife who ended the relationship last year, because she wants kids and I don’t. Said she needed to find someone who’d give her the happiness she desires. It broke me, but I respect the decision, all things considered. For the most part, I moved on. Genuinely, I did like you.

After walking you home the night of the show, I got a phone call from a man calling himself Ivan Volkov. He sent me pictures of my ex-wife tied up in a warehouse somewhere and demanded ameeting, threatening her life if I alerted the cops. Terrified, I went, thinking only of her.

He showed me pictures of our walk home that night, saying he’d had us followed. That you were someone he had issues with and made me a deal: I get close to you in exchange for my ex-wife’s ongoing safety. Provided I led you to that park on that particular night, he agreed to release her, which is why I asked you out.

I have no idea if you’re okay or not, and I’m sick over what happened. I really AM sorry…but I had to. For her. No matter what, I love her too much to see her harmed. I had to choose between you and her, and I picked her.

I’ll always choose her.

Afterwards, she told me she’s pregnant. She’s happily remarried. She’s now back with her husband, safe.

I’d appreciate it if you responded, but I’ll understand if you don’t.

- Caleb

The time of delivery is marked five hours ago, and for every one passing, I reread his email, trying to make sense of it. For my brain to decide if we’re condemning him or being understanding of his actions.

Of course, I’m pissed. Caleb is the reason I’m in this mess. Stuck in Russia, under many watchful eyes. He was the first guy who held my genuine interest in alongtime, and this is how it ends? If only I’d listened to gut instinct and didn’t agree to his walk in the park.

This whole week’s been like some sort of sick joke from the universe, my life the punchline. If Caleb admitted the truth, Icould have better prepared and even helped him, and Dimitri would never have had to save me.

Choice is a finicky thing.

I lost my choices when waking on a plane and facing my past.

I lost my choices when turning Ivan’s financial bribe down all those years ago.

I lost my choices when those men tied me to the mattress.

Calebchoseto sell me out. He chose his ex-wife over me.

Could I hate him for that? Would I pick differently if the choice was between Caleb or me? No. I’d save myself first.

Since arriving in Russia, I’ve blamed Dimitri for not following my past requests. I’ve blamed Caleb for tricking me into that park. But there’s only one person behind all of this. The very one who was behind it in the past too.

Ivan.

I hope Dimitri finds him. For once, the hope has nothing to do with wanting to go home.