No one answers, but I do see the pot in the still-intact kitchen, full and steaming. I cross to it, pouring myself a cup.
Taking a few sips, I turn back to them and take my seat at the head of the table.
Killian sits at the other end, leaned back in his chair.
He is without energy, which is, in and of itself, dangerous.
I take another sip. If this is a waiting game, I’ll sit here all day.
“Do you know what happened to Katarina?” Triston asks, the hand wrapped around his coffee tense enough to break the mug.
“Yes.” I won’t lie. I see his eyes widen for a second, like part of him is surprised. Like part of him wanted to believe it wasn’t true. It cuts me, but I won’t make excuses.
“Did you risk a five-hundred-million-dollar partnership with Dimitri and deal behind our backs?” Triston says through gritted teeth.
I look away, knowing it’s true. I did all of it. “Yes.”
The hiss that moves around the room is followed by palpable energy. “For Sasha?”
My eyes close as my hands rest on my coffee mug. This is the hardest one for me to say. “No.”
“What?” Gris interrupts. “You’re telling me you didn’t do all of this because you love her?”
I crack my neck, by turning my head. Then I look each of my brothers in the eye. “I do love her. But my plan…it had nothing to do with love.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Sasha
I doas Ryker suggested and put on clothes and then make myself a cappuccino. But as I sip the frothy drink, I correct the accounting ledger that Ryker left.
It’s done in no time, and I lift my head, feeling antsy.
I make another coffee, but as I sip, I fidget with the hem of my shirt. That’s when I realize I’m tapping the hem with the same rhythm I use to calm myself.
I’m not sure what has me on such high alert.
Sver. That’s the most likely choice.
But I think it’s more Ryker’s behavior. After last night, he seems on edge. Is he worried about my father’s hitman?
I tap faster.
If Ryker isn’t confident, I’m not either. Is that fair to him? Does he need to be the strength for both of us?
I’m tapping faster. Clenching my fingers, I grab up the ledger.
With a deep breath, I carry it into his office. He said he had a second one that needed to be done. Surely, he won’t mind if I check it over for him.
Setting the book down, I pick up the other ledger, ready to take it back to the kitchen. But that’s when Katarina’s name on one of the documents catches my attention.
Logically I know this isn’t strange. They were supposed to marry. But it still feels wrong, and I pause. My eyes scanning down the document.
Three words pop out at me:Bill of Sale.
I start, reading more as my heart begins to hammer in my chest. What would my sister have that she could sell to Ryker?
I start at the top, reading deeper. My stomach churns as the details become clear.
