Page 109 of Sins and Virtue

“Is something to your dissatisfaction?” His question was an inciting trap to fall for.

I tossed the envelope aside on the table, leaning back into my chair, my leg shaking. “Why the extra ticket? I’m alone.”

His eyes that nearly replicate my own are tensely observant. “Well, perhaps you wanted to take someone with you?”

“Why is it any of your business?”

“It’s not.”

A vein struck against my forehead, nearly crushing the tickets in hand. “Cut the crap. Either you or Aleksandra has been watching my every move.”

“There’s no reason to fret; she's only looking out for your best interest.” He unnervingly stated it, yet his gaze showed no emotion, indeed wanting to deceive me.

“And what would she know about that? About my wants and needs?”

“Nothing yet. Men like us are simple creatures, and the existence of one woman halts the world and makes everything in it insignificant.” Salvatore said all I needed to know.

One scoff leaves my mouth with a bad taste. “She’s watching me.”

“She’s watching your back, as are your enemies.” His statement was a judgment. His eyes were critical, as if this was about life or death. “There’s no time to wonder. You’re either in or out. But you know the risk you run once people hear of your escape. So choose Konstantin. Be with Aleskandra, or risk dying. Your choice.” He rose from the chair, pushing it in as he ran a hand over his suit before he buttoned it up.

No, this bastard couldn’t just leave me like this.

My hand fell on the table, catching his attention as I asked, “Why do you trust her so much? How has she gained that?”

“She didn’t. She simply protected what I loved the most.”

“And what would that be? What is the most precious thing? A wife?”

“She’s dead.”

“Then your daughter?”

“Shut up.” His pristine calm composure broke into pieces, his jaw tightening at the thought.

Check. Mate.

Honestly, it wasn’t that hard to guess. In our world of bloodshed and violence, the most precious thing we could find was a lover, and more than having one another were children. And we would do anything to preserve and protect them. Holding on until the very last breath.

“So a precious child that means the world to you. That’s how Aleksandra got you to be her dog?”

“Watch your mouth, boy.”

“Why should I? Why the fuck would I care about you, your daughter, or Aleksandra?”

“It’s not just about her!” He spat out. “It’s about you.”

“Me? What the fuck do I have to do with any of this shit?” I cursed as a mother walking beside us gasped, covering her child’s ear. The pair reminded me of Blair and her little Ollie as I swore to reduce the foul language in front of kids so I would be prepared for when I met the kid. “Let me remind you that your mistress came to me, not the other way around.”

“Only because you’re the only one who knows what happened that night in Dargsus and the secrets that lingered beneath the Bratva’s facade.”

“I never asked to be involved. Hell, I’m trying to run away.” I hissed, hating that I had to explain myself to a total stranger.

He planted his palms on the table, closing in as his face was nearly in mine. “That’s the thing, you don’t have to run anymore. You can have everything back. You can have your life back. You can be safe. You finally have everything you dreamed of and deserve.” His intonation, while rough at first, rose with bearing concern.

What is wrong with this man?

I don’t know Kon, but it sounds like…