“Ah-ah,” he interrupts, setting the tray on the desk. “Let’s keep it civil, shall we?”
The smell of food hits me, and my stomach betrays me with a loud growl. Leonid’s lips twitch.
“Hungry?” he asks, gesturing to the tray.
I cross my arms. “I’d rather die starving.”
He shrugs. “Suit yourself.” He picks up a piece of bread, taking a bite. “Though I assure you, it’s not poisoned. That’s more your style, isn’t it?”
I clench my fists, anger boiling up. “You bastard. You killed my brother, and you have the nerve to—”
“Your brother?” Leonid’s eyebrows shoot up. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Care to elaborate?”
Shit. I’ve said too much. I press my lips together, glaring at him.
He sighs, setting down the bread. “Look,myshka, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Your choice.”
“Go to hell,” I snarl.
“Been there, the weather sucked,” he quips. Then his face hardens. “But seriously, you tried to kill me. I think I deserve some answers.”
My eyes dart to the door. Maybe if I’m quick enough…
Leonid catches my gaze. “Don’t even think about it. You wouldn’t make it two steps.”
“Watch me,” I challenge, tensing to run.
Before I can move, he’s there, his hand gripping my arm. I twist, trying to break free, but he’s too strong.
“Let go of me!” I shout, struggling against his hold.
“Not until you calm down,” he says, his voice maddeningly calm.
I aim a kick at his shin, but he sidesteps easily. In one fluid motion, he spins me around, pinning me against the wall.
“Now,” he says, his breath hot on my ear, “are you ready to talk?”
“Fuck you,” I hiss.
He chuckles. “Maybe later,myshka. First, let’s discuss who you really are.”
My heart races. If he finds out about Elijah…
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie.
Leonid leans back, studying my face. “You’re good, I’ll give you that. But I’m better.”
He releases me suddenly, stepping back. “Here’s the deal. You know who I am. What I’m capable of.”
A chill runs down my spine. I’ve seen firsthand what the Bratva can do.
“So,” he continues, “you can tell me the truth now, or I’ll find out on my own. And trust me, you don’t want that.”
“Why?” I ask, hating how my voice shakes. “What difference does it make?”
His eyes harden. “Because if I have to dig, I’ll uncover everything. Every secret, every person you care about. And I can’t guarantee their safety.”
The threat hangs in the air between us. I think of Elijah, of my father, of everyone I’ve tried to protect.
