Page 21 of Eternal

DAMIR

“Change” by Deftones

Present

T wo business partners…

God, she looked hot.

Can’t stop thinking about those eyes, the insolence, the fire.

The way she looked at me like she was deciding whether to kill me or keep me around.

The fact that she doesn’t trust me. It only makes me more intrigued, and I can’t think of anything else, even as Lev sat there, running his mouth about things that don’t matter, pretending we’re friends. We’re not.

He left a few seconds ago, chasing after some woman who clearly doesn’t give a damn about him, he’s been at it all night, like he’s got nothing better to do.

Meanwhile, I can’t get her out of my fucking head.

But then, a shadow falls over me, like it wants to be noticed. I didn't move at first, I let the steps approach, slow and measured, until the tattooed hand extended into my view.

Viktor .

I turn my head and catch his gaze. He’s as sharp in person as the whispers painted him to be, short-cropped hair, a snake tattooed around his neck that stops at his jaw, dark green eyes.

If there’s a flicker of approval or mistrust there, I can’t read it.

Hmm . Impressive.

I rise, meeting him on level ground, and his hand grips mine, it’s firm but not excessive.

“Lev’s been singing your praises, Damir,” he says. “Nice to finally meet face-to-face.”

“Likewise.” My grip matches his, but I don’t linger, I release first, and smile. “Glad you’re willing to trust me enough to let me work with Voron.”

His laugh is quiet, but there’s nothing warm in it.

“ Trust ,” he repeats, shaking his head slightly.

“Let’s not say that.” He tilts his head toward Voron who’s smiling at Kat at the end of the room, his eyes still on me.

“Trust is earned, and I’ve seen too many men like you to give it lightly as soon as they have to work with her. ”

I smile, enough to let him know I’m not rattled. “Then consider me ready.”

His gaze sharpens, and he takes a small step closer, invading my space to make his presence loom.

He crosses his arms, the tattoos on his forearms shifting with the movement.

“Let me be clear, Damir. Voron’s not like the others you’ve worked with.

She doesn’t need anyone to take care of her.

” He pauses, his tone growing colder. “But you will. You’ll watch her back, you’ll keep her alive.

She’s not only important to the Bratva; she is to me, and you won’t try anything that complicates things. ”

Keep your distance.

I smirk, letting the silence stretch until I meet her gaze. She’s curious about what we are talking about. “You’re awfully protective for someone who claims she doesn’t need it.”

His lips twitch, not quite a smile, but something close to it. “Let’s say I value her. And I don’t want distractions.”

“I don’t get distracted,” I reply. “I’ll keep her alive.” I lied.

“Good,” he says. “Then we understand each other.”

I lean back against the wall, letting the noise slip between us. “I understand,” I say. “But I don’t take orders from anyone but her. She’s my partner after all. So, if there’s a problem, you’ll have to take it up with your Voron.”

Mine to be soon.

Something shifts in his expression, subtle but there, a flash of amusement, maybe respect. “Fair enough,” he says, turning to leave.

As he walks away, his voice floats back, calm but laced with a warning, “She’s not as forgiving as I am.”

I smile to myself.

My sweet Voron isn’t that sweet then. Perfect. Neither am I.