Page 40 of Twisted Pact

“Semantics.”

I watch him work his phone with the same focus he brings to everything. Within minutes, he’s coordinated with multiple people. Dmitri. Boris. Men whose names I don’t recognize but who apparently have the skills needed for a rescue operation.

We stare at each other across the office. All the adrenaline from what just happened is fading, replaced by the reality of what comes next. My sister is in danger, Alexei is putting himself atrisk to save her, and I just gave him a blowjob in exchange for his help.

What the hell is wrong with me?

He’s still watching me with an unreadable expression. Then, his mouth curves into a cruel grin.

“Guess the rumors about Bratva princesses are true. Put enough pressure on them, and they’ll drop to their knees without a thought.”

I freeze. “What did you just say?”

“Every woman in this world knows how to use what she has to get what she wants. You just proved you’re no different.”

“You demanded I get on my knees.”

“And you didn’t even hesitate, or negotiate, or find another way.” He shrugs like we’re discussing the weather. “I respect the efficiency. No games or pretending it meant something; just straight to business. Even if you tried to pretend like you had no idea what you were doing.”

“You’re a real bastard, you know that?”

“So you keep saying. It doesn’t change the facts.” He starts toward the door. “I’ve got a rescue mission to plan. Try not to fall apart while I’m gone.”

Something inside me snaps. “You want to know why I seemed so inexperienced?”

He pauses mid-step but doesn’t turn around. “Not particularly.”

“Because I am. Because three weeks ago, at that safe house, was the first time I’d ever had sex. With anyone. Ever.”

Now, he turns, his face going blank. “What?”

“You were my first, Alexei. My only. So, forgive me for not having years of experience manipulating men with my body.”

The color drains from his face. “You’re telling me you were a virgin?”

“Yes.”

“That night. You’d never?—”

“Not once.” I cross my arms. “So, your theory about me being just like every other Bratva woman? Pretty fucking offensive considering I’d never even tasted a dick before you shoved yours down my throat.”

He runs his hands through his hair and breathes out. “Jesus Christ, Mila. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t think it mattered.”

“Of course it mattered. I would have—” He cuts himself off. “Fuck.”

“What? You would have been gentler? More careful? Please. You got what you wanted. That’s all that matters to men like you.”

“That’s not…” He shakes his head. “I can’t do this right now.”

He walks past me without looking back or apologizing, leaving me standing in his office with the taste of him still on my tongue and the weight of his indifference settling in my chest.

He wasn’t supposed to matter. That was the rule. And somehow, I broke it.

12

Alexei