But not tonight.
Tonight, I have another problem. One who thinks she can issue commands like she’s one of my lieutenants. One who has proven herself to be quitejealousof my lieutenants.
Audrey showing up at the office and crackling with energy was an amusing distraction after a morning of losses. But it took more effort than I like to admit to mask my frustration and rage.
Sava had a daughter and a stepson. Yuri just came over a month prior, as a favor to a friend. I’d paid for my ticket myself, and now I’d be paying for both of their funerals.
My jaw is tight as I step out of the car in front of the country house. I’ve been spending more and more time here, and tonight, for the first time in a while, it doesn’t feel welcoming. It feels like I’ll have to walk in lying through my teeth.
Hiding how truly violent my life is from her.
When I left the Spire half an hour ago, I was so wrathful that I told Lev to stay. To command the men, and make sure they went out ready—for whatever, whoever, was hiding in the shadows. That’s why I wasn’t alarmed when Audrey texted me,We need to talk. Tonight.
She should be grateful I’m showing up at all tonight, after the week I’ve had. After burying two bodies and tightening the perimeter around the Spire. After Olena confirmed there’s someone inside still trying to feed intel to the Italians.
Which is why I’m going to lose it if she starts talking about feelings. My patience has finally run out, and I don’t have time to reassure my little wolf. The first priority is keeping her safe; keeping her satisfied will have to come later.
I knock once. Not because I have to. Because I still believe in manners.
The door opens, and for a moment I forget the ache in my jaw.
Audrey’s wearing a t-shirt and leggings, hair up in a messy bun that leaves her neck exposed. It’s an uncharacteristic look for her, so casual that it catches me off guard. Her eyes widen when she sees me and then narrow.
"You're late."
"I didn’t realize I was on your payroll," I growl.
"You’re not. But you’re on my clock, considering what I found this morning."
Her voice is sharp, her body bristling with energy. She steps aside to let me in, and when I see who’s waiting on the other side, I realize that this is definitely not about Olena.
Chrissy.
She’s sitting on the couch, her legs curled under her, holding a glass of wine that she clearly regrets pouring the moment I step inside. She’s practically vibrating with anxiety.
"This isn’t a good time for guests," I mutter.
"She’s not a guest," Audrey snaps. "She found the same anomaly I did." She crosses her arms and it’s easy to see how cute she’ll look when she’s angry andverypregnant. For a moment, that thought takes the edge off.
I shoot a look at Chrissy, who just gives me a tight nod. Smart. She knows she’s in over her head, but she’s not stupid.
“Mr. Martynov. I’m sorry to—” she glances at Audrey, then back at me, “interrupt your night.”
Ahh. So, she knows we’re sleeping together.
A dark, possessive voice snarls in my mind:But does she know just how deeply entwined Audrey and I are? That I won’t let her go unless her roots are ripped from my veins?
Chrissy bites her lip, so Audrey talks instead: "We think Sal was after more than just the money."
I blink. That name tastes like bile.
"Go on," I say, voice low.
Audrey gestures for Chrissy to speak. Her friend swallows.
"There’s been a string of low-level pings in the system. Not from the outside. Not from an external hack. This is someone inside the firewall, using clearance codes that only a handful of us should have. They’ve been in the Petrovia file, Mr. Martynov.”
My brows rise as I drop into an armchair across from the couch. Audrey curls up next to Chrissy, putting a consoling hand on her friend’s back. Chrissy swallows down another gulp of wine, her eyes flitting to mine and then away.
