Page 79 of The Devil's Thorn

Nikolai’s eyes narrow.

“She’s not just a girl who wants answers. She’s a threat. And you handed her a gun.”

“I handed her a role,” I correct. “And a leash.”

“And when she decides to hang you with it?”

I let the silence stretch between us. Then I pour another drink.

“Then I’ll see how tight it holds.”

Nikolai’s jaw ticks. “You’re playing with fire.”

“No.” I sip slowly. “I’mwelcomingit.”

He mutters something under his breath and starts to pace. I watch him from the bar, glass balanced between my fingers.

“You still think she’s worth the risk?” he mutters.

“She’s already proven more value in one night than half the men on our payroll.”

He scoffs.

“She’s reckless.”

“She’s effective.”

“She’s lying.”

I set the glass down.

“So am I.”

Nikolai doesn’t like that answer—but he doesn’t argue it. He knows me well enough to understand what that means.

He shakes his head, tension rippling through his shoulders.

“You want me to keep watching her?”

I nod once. “Her. The men. Every step they take.”

He doesn’t move. Just watches me for a moment longer, then finally turns for the door.

“This is a mistake,” he mutters as he walks out. “And I’ll be the one cleaning it up.”

“If it is,” I say behind him, voice cold, “I’ll let you.”

He pauses—just once. Then walks out without looking back.

The silence returns. But it doesn’t feel like quiet anymore. It feels like the eye of a storm. And her name is still echoing in my mind.

I stay at the bar long after the door closes behind him. The whiskey sits untouched in my hand.

Everything Nikolai said replays in my mind—sharp, deliberate, the kind of words most people wouldn’t dare speak to me.

But he’s earned that right.

He doesn’t lie to protect me. He tells the truth to keep me sharp. And still— he’s wrong.