She doesn’t cry. She doesn’t react. Her features stay the same, no emotion, just plain acceptance, like she already understood freedom was never an option for her.
"Last night you said you can read people by touch orsomething they touched. Does it work if you’re near the person?”
No. Being near doesn’t work. It has to be an object or touching the actual person.
“What about my picture? I never touched it.”
She looks away for a split second. I don’t let it slide. “Answer me.” I urge, sliding the notepad to her. “Write.”
Her lips press together. She grips the pen harder than necessary before finally writing.
I don’t know. And no, I’m not lying. I really don’t know how I did it.
She pauses, then adds more:
I didn’t see anything with you. I just felt your hatred of him and what you want to happen. I don’t know your plans.
“No?”
She shakes her head.
I edge closer, just enough that she has to look at me. “You don’t ever put your hands on me or take anything I touch, trying to read me. Are we clear?” She nods, expression blank.
I ease back. “There’s one more thing, Nala.”
She lifts her gaze, giving me her full attention. "Don’t ever lie to me. You give me the truth. Always. No sympathy. No instinct. You tell me everything.”
She stares at me, jaw tight and writes:Got it.
I raise a brow. Fucking laughable, this little girl thinking she can give me attitude.
I let it slide and ask, "What else did you see about my father?"
This time she doesn’t hesitate, the pen moves immediately.
He meets with businessmen. REAL businessmen.
She looks up at me like she knows exactly what she’s implying.
“I get it,” I say flatly. “Keep writing.”
The corner of her mouth lifts. She dips her head quickly, pleased she got away with that.
He’s using their stores as a front.
"A front for what?"
Moving money to other places. I don’t really understand how it works. He doesn’t want Volchya involved. Only him and the Albanians.
Fucking piece of shit.
I sit back, keeping my features neutral, not wanting her to see the thoughts actually going on in my mind.
“He’s using Bratva men to do the work, but the deal is between him and the Albanians?”
She nods, writing:
Yes. He’s been doing it for over a year. I know because he thought one of the men was trying to scam him.
