“I can still enjoy the benefits of power,” he says evenly, “without enjoying the chains that bind me to it.”
“You really are full of contradictions.”
“As are you, Stella.”
I swallow dryly, his heated gaze flickering over every inch of my face.
When I turn my head away, he rests his chin on his arms again, making no attempt to hide the fact that he’s staring.
“How would you go about improving my little club then?”
“Is that a serious question?”
“I asked it, didn’t I?”
I straighten my spine, squaring my shoulders to look impassive.
“First of all, I’d bleach every inch of this place. It smells like despair.”
“Noted.” He chuckles. “What else?”
“I’d make sure the girls on stage are paid what they’re worth. None of them looks like they want to be here.”
“So do most of my men.”
“And that should tell you something.”
“And what exactly does it tell me?” he asks, amused.
“If none of the people you’re supposed to look after want to be here, then what kind of loyalty can you expect from them when the chips are down?”
He hums thoughtfully. “So, you believe loyalty is bought by the amount of money I pay them?”
“I believe loyalty is earned. Pay your people fairly. Give them decent working conditions. It’s as good a start as any.”
“What about fear?” he asks, voice low. “Do you not believe fear is just as powerful a tool for loyalty?”
“Yes,” I concede. “But only to a point. Fear and intimidation can only get you so far. Trust me, there are things out there far scarier than you.”
“I very much doubt that.”
I turn to face him head-on this time. “Last time I was here, you told me a story about an old woman who feared she couldn’t save her daughter from the people who corrupted her. Tell me, what did she fear most? The ones who dragged her daughter into that life… or losing the person she loved for good?” That gets his attention. “Losing someone you love,” I continue softly, “or not being able to give them the life they deserve… that’s a far greater motivator than fear of the boogeyman ever was.”
He studies me in silence, taking in every word, before kicking the chair away and standing, towering over me as he does it.
“You really are a dangerous little thing,” he murmurs, voice low like velvet and smoke. “Your looks deceive men into underestimating you, but it’s your sharp and unfiltered mouth that is your true weapon.”
“If that’s supposed to be a compliment, I’ll take it,” I say, rising to my feet as well.
I move to pass him, but he catches my wrist, drawing my hand toward his lips. His mouth lingers on my knuckles, the warmth of his kiss trailing up my arm like a slow burn.
“I look forward to your next visit,milaya.”
I don’t answer. Not only because I shouldn’t have made this visit in the first place, but also because I’m almost certain I’ll make another.
Before taking more than a few steps away from him, I glance back over my shoulder and find Kirill still watching me.
“You never did tell me what happened to the old woman’s bracelet.”
