Page 121 of Twisted Pact

“Anna called campus security. They called us because we have someone on staff. We’re monitoring the situation, but you need to be aware they’re getting creative.”

“Creative how?”

“They’re targeting her social circle instead of direct surveillance. Trying to gather intelligence through people who might not realize they’re being manipulated.”

I walk farther down the hallway where Mila can’t hear. “What did Anna tell them?”

“Nothing useful. Probably because she doesn’t know anything useful. But the fact that they approached her at all means they’re expanding their methods.”

“Recommendations?”

“Lock down everyone in Mila’s inner circle. Make sure they know not to share information about her with anyone. Consider relocating again if you think this location is compromised.”

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” I reply. “She doesn’t have much of an inner circle these days.”

“Alexei?” Dmitri pauses. “How is she doing? Mila. After everything with her father and the pregnancy complications.”

“She’s struggling. The conversation with her mother made things worse.”

“Is she considering leaving?”

I glance over at Mila, who is tapping her fingers on the countertop as if the gesture soothes her somehow. “I don’t know. Maybe.”

“And if she does? If she decides this life isn’t for her?”

I take a few long strides into the next room and lower my voice. “Then I figure out how to keep her safe from a distance. But I’m not letting her go without a fight.”

“Good. Because losing her would destroy you. Anyone can see that.”

After I disconnect, I return to the kitchen to find Mila washing dishes. Nervous energy in every movement.

“That was Dmitri,” I tell her.

“What did he want?”

“Anna called. Novikov’s men approached her tonight, asking questions about you.”

She drops the plate she’s holding. It crashes into the sink but doesn’t break. “Anna? They went after Anna? But I barely know her.”

“They’re targeting anyone they think might know anything, trying to gather intelligence through your social circle.”

“Oh, God.” She grips the edge of the sink. “She could have been hurt. They could have threatened her, or?—”

“She’s fine. We’re monitoring the situation.”

“This is my fault. I put her in jeopardy just by existing in her life.”

I cross to her and turn her to face me. “This isn’t your fault. This is Novikov being a bastard who targets innocent people.”

“But she wouldn’t be a target if not for me. Just like those three men wouldn’t be dead if not for my father’s rescue. Just like you wouldn’t have been shot if not for?—”

“Stop. You don’t get to take responsibility for violence other people choose to commit.”

She pulls away from me and starts toward the hallway leading to her bedroom. “I need to call Anna. Make sure she’s okay. Warn her about what’s happening.”

“No,” I begin, following her, “you need to stay off communication channels that could be monitored.”

“My whole life is falling apart,” she whispers. “My education. My friendships. My relationship with my family. Everything I built for myself is crumbling because of the choices I made in a garden at some stupid wedding. Everything about this has been disaster after disaster with brief moments of happiness in between.”