Because once I meet Bill Turner, this becomes real. Because I’ll have to look the man in the eye even after seducing his daughterfor information. Because every day I spend with Mireille, the lie becomes harder to maintain.
“I’m being careful,” I say instead. “Turner’s smart. If I push too fast, he’ll get suspicious.””
“Or maybe,” Viktor says lazily, “you just don’t want to.”
A heavy silence settles in the room.
Alexei sets his glass down with a quiet clink. “Are your reasons for being with her still the same, Dmitri?”
I meet his eyes. “Of course they are.”
He doesn’t look convinced. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’ve grown…distracted.”
“She’s a means to an end.” The words leave a bitter aftertaste on my tongue, but I keep my expression neutral.
Alexei holds my gaze for a long moment, the kind of stare that feels like it’s peeling back every layer of skin and seeing what’s underneath. Then he exhales slowly, turning away. “Fine. But don’t forget what you’re doing, and why. Agent Turner’s the one holding the axe over this family. We can’t afford sentiment.”
“I understand.”
Viktor smirks. “You sure? Because she’s pretty enough to make anyone forget the rules.”
I ignore him, but my pulse gives me away.
Alexei’s tone drops. “We don't have room for mistakes, Dmitri.”
I nod once, swallowing down the guilt. “There won’t be a problem.”
He studies me a beat longer, then gestures toward the door. “See that there isn’t.”
Viktor pushes off the wall, clapping my shoulder as we step into the hall. “Careful, brother. The way you look at her…it’s not a strategy. It’s a liability. The kind that could bring this whole family down.”
He walks ahead, still smirking, but his words stick.
By the time I reach the parlor again, Mireille is standing near the window with Anya, smiling as she admires the view. She turns when she hears me, her face lighting up in a way that makes something in my chest twist.
I force a smile, walking toward her. “Ready to go?”
“Mm-hm,” she says softly. “Your family’s wonderful.”
I nod, because it’s easier than telling her the truth, that every person she met tonight is a weapon, including me. And no matter how much I want to protect her, I’m still the one who could destroy her.
It's late by the time we leave Alexei's house. Mireille’s hand rests in mine, small and warm, her thumb tracing circles on my skin. Every time she looks at me, it gets harder to remember the line I swore I wouldn’t cross.
She's so beautiful. And I want her so fucking badly.
As her dorm comes into view, I realize I don't want to let her go tonight. I can't.
Mireille gasps as I drive past her building, turning to gape at me in disbelief.
“W-what…that's my…” she trails off, shaking her head curiously.
“I'm taking you home,” I say simply. “My home.”
“Oh,” she mouths and settles into her seat, a soft blush spreading across her gorgeous face.
By the time we arrive at my building, the air is charged with tension—electric, palpable.
She toes off her shoes and glances around, smiling softly. “You always keep it so spotless.”
