Page 51 of Shadowed Sins: Nitro

For the first time in years, I actually want to come home alive.

Because someone will be waiting.

The private dining room at Mastro's drips wealth and danger in equal measure. Sasha Kozlov studies me from across the table like I'm a specimen under glass.

"Little star, you've grown into quite the beautiful weapon since I last saw you."

He hasn't changed much in five years. Silver hair perfectly styled, expensive suit that screams dirty money, and those pale blue eyes that miss nothing. The kind of man who orders wine by vintage and people killed by Tuesday.

"You look well, Sasha. Prison apparently agreed with you."

His laugh has razor edges.

"Two years in minimum security hardly counts as hardship. Besides, it gave me time to think. To plan."

Thinking about Jax's protective presence listening in makes my heart race. He's probably memorizing every exit, every potential threat. The way he monitors me feels intensely protective, and my body responds to his attention more than it should.

Focus, Mira. This man could have answers about Alexei.

"You said you had information about Petrov's American operations."

"Always direct. I respect that quality."

Sasha slides a manila envelope across the table. Inside, photographs show Alexei at various locations across Los Angeles. Recent ones.

He's here. In the same city.

"Why are you helping me, Sasha? Information like this doesn't come free in our world."

His smile turns calculated.

"Let's say certain interested parties want Alexei Petrov dealt with permanently."

The hairs on my neck rise. This feels orchestrated. Too convenient.

"Interested parties with enough power to arrange this meeting and enough resources to track Petrov's movements."

"Smart girl. Your parents taught you well before they died."

Don't react. Don't give him the satisfaction.

But my fingers tighten around my wine glass. Through the earpiece, I hear Jax's sharp intake of breath. He's monitoring my vitals and knows something's wrong.

The knowledge that someone cares enough to watch for my reactions sends fire spiraling through me. For thirteen years, I've walked into dangerous meetings alone. Now every gesture matters to someone other than myself.

"Who do you work for now, Sasha?"

"People who understand that some predators need to be removed from the game."

He leans back, swirling his wine.

"Petrov has been tracking you, little star. He knows how you survived. Knows you've been hunting his associates."

My blood turns to ice.

"For how long?"

"Years. He finds your... evolution fascinating. The little swan who became a killer."