I assume, however, that Bastian did not share in that amusement.
The stoic male looks at me with his silver-blue eyes as he whispers something to Stefano. Then he straightens and leaves the frame.
“You’re certain?” Stefano asks, sounding wary.
“Yes,” the Russian replies, that single word seeming to be underlined in lethal intent. It reminds me of Noah. Except Nazar isn’t quite as psychotic. He doesn’t play or enjoy death. He simply annihilates. Efficiently. Swiftly. And effectively.
If he and Noah were to ever join forces, the world would weep with blood and tears.
Or they would end up killing each other in the end.
Unclear.
Nor does it matter.
“If you’re going to waste my time with personal discussions, I’m hanging up,” I inform Stefano, my voice flat.
“Nazar was just confirming that the information we learned this morning is, in fact, true.” Stefano leans forward like he’s trying to ensure he has my full attention through the camera. “Itseems my brother accepted the hit assignment from Giovanni Bianchi.”
My fingers flex with the urge to create a fist against my desk. But I manage to maintain my composure—just barely—and give him a bored look. “That sounds like a convenient way to shift blame.”
“Come now, Ferraro. Don’t tell me you’re surprised by this reveal. It should be rather obvious to you, given your currentsituation,” the assassin says, his voice lacking the accent I know he was born with. But the man speaks at least a dozen languages.Fluently.
He reenters the frame, this time closer to Stefano, and leans down to meet my gaze.
“I hear you’ve kidnapped a mafia princess,” Nazar murmurs. “Could that be why Giovanni has a bounty on Johan’s head?”
“How much is it for?” Stefano asks, making my jaw clench.
“Are you trying to infuriate me?” I demand.
“I want to know how much was offered for my brother’s betrayal,” Stefano replies, then looks at Nazar. “Do we know?”
“From what I’ve gathered, Giovanni promised to help Bastian overthrow you.”
Stefano snorts. “And how did the Bianchi don think he was going to accomplish that?”
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out,” Nazar replies silkily. “Lazarus, always a displeasure to see you. Until next time.” He steps away, causing Stefano’s gaze to drift as the assassin leaves.
“Stop checking out the Russian and tell me what else you know,” I demand.
“The details of my brother’s betrayal are still unfolding,” Stefano says without looking at me. “I’ll keep you informed.”
The line goes dead before I can tell him that’s not good enough.
A growl leaves me, one that echoes through my office and rivals one coming from the other room.
Does she know?I wonder, my mind shifting to a place I don’t want to visit. One underscored by potential betrayal.Does Aurora know that her brother has a hit out on Johan?
We haven’t been screening her calls or monitoring her. Johan felt strongly about protecting her privacy—which is ironic, given the developing situation.
But has she even tried to reach out to her brother?
I was very clear about rule number one—no sharing any details about our pack with anyone else, including our plans, location, and businesses.
Did she break that rule?
I run a hand over my face, not appreciating the way my chest feels in response to this line of thought. My heart feels strangely tight, like it can’t properly beat.
