I could only blink repeatedly, trying to keep my tears at bay.
She lifted her chin, staring down her nose at me. “It was no different, Elizabeth. I feel the same way about Daniil.”
I shoved my hands into the air. “But that meant you would have to kill me!”
“I know. That was unfortunate.”
My hands slowly lowered back to my sides. “You truly feel that way.”
Katie merely raised a brow. “He was the love of my life.”
I swallowed hard and gently shook my head. “So much death.”
She snorted. “That’s what you get when you sleep with the devil, my cousin.”
“But I never expected it from my own family,” I growled, stepping closer to her. Artur instantly put a stopping hand on my shoulder, keeping me a safe distance from the threat. “Never my goddamn family.”
Katie shrugged, but her eyes were so full hate. “Family is what took him away from me.”
I stopped breathing for a second, my heart pounding in my ear with her truth. My brows creased. “If I had known you still had real feelings for him—”
“What? You would have asked your baby daddy to not kill him?” She grunted. “That man will do anything to take care of what he perceives as a threat against you.”
My shoulders slumped. “I know.”
Her gaze ran over my face. “Yes, you do. And you still stay with him.”
“He’s the man I fell in love with. Maybe you and I aren’t so different after all.” I steeled my shoulders and stared down my own nose at her. This shit would continue on if I allowed it. Because she was my weakness. “I just picked the villain to fuck.”
She blinked, not understanding. “What?”
I turned my attention to Artur, my tone turning cold. “Tell your father not to call the police. He can put her in whatever jail cell he wishes.”
Artur slowly raised his brows, as she sputtered. “You’re sure about this?”
I nodded. “She’ll get out of jail for good behavior before I want her out. She’s not insane. She’s just pissed. Time will only enhance her vengeance.”
“What?” Katie screamed, now understanding. “You can’t be serious, Elizabeth.”
My hard gaze snapped right to hers. “I’m very serious. You know that hole I was put in thanks to you? That hole changed me. And you’re a threat. So I’m going to let my villain love cart you off to a horrible place where you will live for the rest of your life.” I brushed my hands off. “Threat eliminated.”
Artur nodded his head. His eyes were full of approval. “You’ve finally become a Kozar.”
I glanced in his direction. “If your father would just put a ring on my finger.”
He blinked, and his mouth bobbed. “Oh.” Another blink. “Does he know you would say yes?”
“All he has to do is ask to know.” I turned away from Katie’s shouts, heading back to my bedroom door. “Anyway, get her out of here. I need sleep.” And even more therapy now.
“Wait!” Katie hollered. “I have more information. I’ll trade you for it!”
I peered over my shoulder at her in surprise. “What else could there be?”
She spewed quickly, tears now running down her cheeks. “Their family. Olya and Valentina’s parents. You just took away their last remaining daughter. Daniil has killed both their children now.” She shook her head. “Where do you think the money came from? Their parents are the ones who contacted me.”
“Hm.” That didn’t surprise me. It was merely frustrating that they had fooled us, pretending that they were ashamed of their daughter and had left the house easily tonight. “Katie, you really need to learn what a trade is. You just gave up your information without me even agreeing to anything.” I walked into my bedroom, closing the door behind me.
Katie’s screams as she was dragged out of the room didn’t bother me as much as it would have a year ago. Her hatred had changed me. I was now much colder in the heart.
