Page 89 of Konstantin

I don’t doubt that for a second.

Trying to ignore the thrum beneath my skin, I focus on my plate, letting the steam and scent pull me in. I take a bite of something buttery and soft, and the taste is so rich, so unexpectedly good, that a quiet sound slips out before I can catch it.

His attention sharpens instantly, zeroed in like a hunter. “You like it?”

“It’s amazing.”

“You enjoy.” Arina wipes her hands on a towel, her smile soft as she heads toward the hallway. “I go.”

“Thanks again,” I tell her.

She nods once and disappears, leaving behind a silence that suddenly feels thick. Only the clink of cutlery fills the room as we both enjoy our breakfast. My attention flicks toward his plate for a moment, where his phone sits beside his coffee.

This might be the best chance I have.

If I can get to the bathroom, launch the program Riley sent, then bring my phone back and place it close enough to his, the sync should begin. All I have to do is make sure he doesn’t use his phone for ten minutes. How hard can that be?

I clear my throat. “Where’s the bathroom?”

He glances up, his fork pausing mid-air, eyes narrowing just slightly. “Just through there.” He lifts his finger toward the hallway behind him. “First door on the right.”

“Thanks.” I attempt to keep my movements casual as I rise.

Each step away from the table feels like walking a tightrope. I can feel his stare trailing me as I disappear down the hall.

Once inside the bathroom, I lock the door and launch the program, the screen flashing once before going completely black. Exactly what she said would happen. Still, I can’t stop my nerves from clawing through me.

What if it doesn’t work? What if he somehow realizes what I’m doing?

Fuck, I need to stop. I’ll only make myself crazy with worst-case scenarios.

My pulse crashes in my ears as I flush the toilet and run the water, giving the illusion of normalcy. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I force a breath into my lungs.

Don’t blow this now.

When I return to the kitchen, I attempt to keep my pace natural.

Konstantin looks up as I approach, and for a moment, his gaze sharpens, like he’s reading the thoughts right off my subconscious.

“Find it okay?” he asks, tone easy. But his eyes…they’re not.

“Yeah.” I smile, quick and tight, and slide into the seat beside him.

My phone rests on the table, inches from his, close enough to start the sync. I grip my coffee cup, fingers stiff, every cell in my body wound tight.

He reaches for something, and my stomach drops as his fingers brush the edge of his phone. I brace, ready to scream into the fucking void.

“I need to go back to my apartment sometime today.” My words come fast, too fast. “There are a few things I forgot.”

His hand stills as he leans back in his chair, attention swinging fully to me. The moment stretches.

“That’s fine.” He lifts his cup to his mouth. “I have business to handle this morning, so your bodyguards will take you.”

Bodyguards. Plural.

Of course. Not enough that I have to cover my tracks from one. Now I’ll get to have fun with more of them.

My hand curls beneath the table. “When will I meet them?”