Page 149 of Konstantin

“Then my contact found proof that Nate’s partner and my boss were tied to the DeLuca crew. They were both dirty, and Gerardo was the one who set up my brother.”

“And this Gerardo, where do I find him?”

“Why?” Amusement flickers in my tone. “You planning to kill the head of a field office?”

“You insult me, moya lyubimoya.” His arms stretch across the sofa.

I shake my head at his level of ego. “He’s got bodyguards. He’s never alone. And he’s in deep with the DeLucas. He’s been on their payroll for years.”

“And you’re telling me this like I’m supposed to be afraid?” He breathes deeply, his chest rising like the calm before a storm. “They’re the only ones who have something to fear now.” Then he says something that flips my world upside down, more than it already is. “You should know…the hit at the hotel in Chicago. That was meant for you, not me.”

“What?” The word escapes me in a strangled gasp.

He nods. “Whoever sent those guys knew you’d be there.”

My head spins.

“Only two people knew.” My stomach drops as realization crashes over me. “It was him. It had to be. He knew I was getting too close. Knew I was going to remember that he was the one in my vision, the one I told you about.”

“So, that’s what you remembered? Why you did what you did…”

I nod, the words heavy. “He knew this whole time that I saw him kill that cop. He needed me gone. He…fuck!”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to steady the chaos of emotions spiraling inside me. Everything’s clicking into place, butit’s all too much to process.

Then, suddenly, he’s there beside me, his arms pulling me in.

“Emilia…you’re okay. I’ve got you.” His voice offers a sliver of comfort, but it doesn’t last.

“No, just don’t.” I push him away, the need to protect myself overwhelming.

I know it’s over. Why let it drag on any longer?

Konstantin’s gaze sharpens, his intensity growing. “I know you’re hurting. I understand. Because the ones who betray us are always the ones closest to us.”

And I realize he’s talking about me.

“What do you plan to do with me?” I ask, desperate for this to end. I just want it over.

“What I’ve been doing all along.” He rises to his feet, pacing around me. “Try to keep you from getting killed. I know it may be difficult since I know how stubborn you can be, but this is the part where you thank your husband.”

I scoff. “You’re so generous.”

“I’m glad you noticed.” His lips curl as he slips his hand into his pocket, pulling out a flip knife and flicking it open. “Do you know what would’ve happened to you, to this household, if my brothers found out who you were? Any one of them would’ve slit your throat by now, and then I’d have to kill them.” He flips a hand dismissively. “It would’ve been too messy.”

He returns to me, dragging the tip of the knife slowly along my collarbone. “The fact that I didn’t kill you when I found out about you? That’s the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.”

“Like I said, generous.” My tone is cunning, no longer afraid but filled with irritation.

He drags the knife between my breasts, his gaze never leaving mine. “Now, tell me…” He pauses, his breath steady. “What should I do with you, Mrs. Marinova?”

“Let me go. Forget I existed. I won’t go to the feds. I only came here for Nate. He’s all I’ve ever had.”

His nostrils flare, his anger suddenly palpable.

“You had me.” He slaps his chest with violent intensity.

My voice breaks, wanting to believe that with all my heart. “I never really did, though, did I?”