Page 35 of Innocent Prey of the Bratva

“She was in that room,” I say. “She could’ve died.”

“Boss, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I slam my fist into his face, the crack of bone loud in the room. His chair rocks back, and blood splatters the floor. Rakin groans. “I swear to you, Kaz—I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

I tilt my head.

He really wants to play this game?

“You don’t?” I ask, voice like ice. “You expect me to believe that someone attacked my estate, and it just happened to be a coincidence? That it had nothing to do with you? With how bitter you were when you were let go a month ago?”

He’s trembling now, his fingers twitching in the restraints like they’re trying to claw their way out of this lie. “I was bitter because you let me go after serving you for years!”

I arch a brow. “You were let go because you ran your damn mouth one too many times.”

“But I was loyal.”

“You were loud,” I say evenly. “And I don’t tolerate liabilities.”

He shifts forward, the chains pulling taut. “I didn’t betray you.”

“But you were angry.”

“I was disappointed,” he spits. “I wanted to remain in your employment. I gave ten years of my life to this crew. I earned more than a brush-off and silence.”

“You should be grateful I didn’t kill you,” I snap. “You are the only ex-operative bitter enough, loud enough, and stupid enough to do this.”

His face twists. “I didn’t lay a hand on her.”

“Doesn’t matter,” I snap. “You knew about her. You knew she was in the estate. And only a handful of people knew that. So if it wasn’t you with the blade, then you ran your mouth again. And someone else took aim.”

Rakin’s silence is telling.

Arina exhales sharply behind me, but says nothing.

“You either acted,” I continue, “or you gave someone the ammunition to do it. Either way, you endangered my asset. And you know how I feel about that.”

“I didn’t think anyone would actually do it,” Rakin mutters. “I was venting. Drinking. Talking shit, yeah. But I didn’t hand out coordinates or blueprints.”

“Then give me names,” I say. “Everyone who heard you talk. Every face in that bar. Every contact on your burner. Because someone took what you said and made a move.”

Rakin doesn’t speak. His eyes lower. Guilt settles in his shoulders. As I think of a way to torture the truth out of him, a sharp bolt of dread pierces through my chest.

What if this was the plan? What if Rakin was used to draw me out of the house while Violet is left all alone in the estate?

Lure me out. Leave her vulnerable.

Fuck.

She’s alone. Even with Milo and guards, she’s alone. Trapped in a house filled with shadows and secrets and enemies I haven’t rooted out.

I don’t even realize I’m barking orders until I’m halfway to the door.

“Arina—take over.”

They straighten from where they’re perched. “Boss—?”

“If he gives you names, fine. If he doesn’t—” I glance back, eyes burning into Rakin. “Kill him.”