Page 115 of The Pakhan’s Accidental Bride

We spend the next twenty minutes going through a routine. Devin watches my form, offering suggestions here and there, clearly in his element. I go through the motions, lifting weights, doing reps, and letting him think he's teaching me something. In reality, I'm watching him, observing and assessing.

When we finish, Devin hands me a towel and grins. "Not bad. You've got good form. Ever think about getting a personal trainer? I could really help you maximize your potential."

"I'll keep that in mind," I say, wiping the sweat from my face. Then I shift gears, my tone becoming more serious. "Actually, there's something I wanted to ask you about."

His expression changes, becoming more guarded. "Okay."

"I need to know if there's anyone in your life who might have a grudge against you," I say, watching his reaction carefully. "Friends, acquaintances, or clients. Anyone who might want to hurt you or your family."

Devin's eyes widen, genuine shock crossing his face. "What? No. Why would anyone have a grudge against me?" He gestures around the gym again, his voice rising slightly. "I improve people's lives, Emil. That's what I do. I help them get healthy and feel better about themselves. I don't make enemies."

I study him for a long moment, searching for any sign of deception. But there's nothing. He's telling the truth, or at least he believes he is. Sometimes, people make enemies without even realizing it, but Devin seems genuinely baffled by the question.

"Think about it," I say. "Anyone who might have been unhappy with your services. Anyone who felt wronged in some way. Or perhaps a disgruntled employee."

He shakes his head slowly. "No. I really can't think of anyone. My clients love this place. I get five-star reviews constantly. And my friends…" He trails off, his brow furrowing. "My friends are good people. We're all about positivity and growth." He pauses, a look of concentration crossing his face. "I haven't let any employees go. In fact, there isn't even anyone new. Everyone here has been here for at least three years."

I nod, filing away his response. "If you think of anything, let me know."

"I will." He hesitates, then asks, "Is Kiera okay?"

"I'm handling it," I say, my tone making it clear the conversation is over. "Come by the estate tomorrow night for dinner. Seven o'clock."

"Dinner?" He looks surprised again.

"Yes. Bring your brothers."

"Uh, okay. Sure." He's clearly confused, but he doesn't argue.

Luca and I leave the gym and head to our next destination. Kevin's marketing firm is located downtown in a sleek high-rise building. The lobby is all polished marble and modern art, the kind of place designed to impress clients and project success. We take the elevator to the fifteenth floor, where Kevin's firm occupies an entire suite of offices.

The receptionist at the front desk is polished and professional, her smile practiced. "Do you have an appointment?"

"No," I say. "Tell Kevin Walker that Emil Nikitin is here to see him."

Her smile falters slightly at my name, but she picks up the phone and relays the message. A moment later, she hangs up and gestures toward a hallway. "He'll see you. Third door on the right."

Kevin's office is spacious and well-appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a view of the city skyline. He's sitting behind a large desk, his expression tight as we enter. He's wearing a charcoal suit and a burgundy tie, every inch the successful executive. But I can see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw clenches when he looks at me.

He doesn't want me here. That much is obvious. Associating with a Bratva boss isn't good for his image, and Kevin is all about image. He's the oldest brother, the one who raised Kiera after their parents died. He's used to being in control and protecting his family. And now I'm a threat he can't eliminate.

"Emil," he says, standing but not offering his hand. "What can I do for you?"

"I need to ask you some questions," I say, taking a seat in one of the chairs across from his desk without waiting for an invitation. Luca remains standing by the door, his presence a silent reminder of who holds the power here.

Kevin sits back down, his expression wary. "Questions about what?"

"About your life. Your business. Your associates." I lean back in the chair, my posture relaxed but my gaze sharp. "I need to know if there's anyone who might have a grudge against you. Anyone who might want to hurt you or your family."

His eyes narrow. "Why are you asking me this?"

"Because someone is trying to kill Kiera," I say bluntly. "And I'm exploring every possibility."

The color drains from his face. "You think someone is targeting her because of me?"

"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to find out." I watch him carefully, looking for any flicker of recognition or hint that he knows more than he's saying. "So I'll ask again. Is there anyone in your life who might want to cause harm?"

Kevin is silent for a long moment, his mind clearly working through the question. Finally, he shakes his head. "No. I can't think of anyone. My business is competitive, sure, but it's not cutthroat. We win some accounts, we lose some accounts. That's just how it works. But nobody would…" He trails off, his expression troubled. "Nobody would try to kill someone over a marketing contract."