Page 61 of Enemy of the Heart

“Hypothetically,” Sean insists.

With a sigh, I yield. “Purely in a hypothetical context and simply to satisfy your boundless curiosity, I’d charge at least ten million pounds for Viktor.”

Sean’s eyes go wider than a continent. “That seems like…a lot. Is that the typical rate?”

“For the Pakhan of the Bratva? No, it’s not too much. He would be an incredibly risky mark.” The only law I abide by is my own, and I’m exceptional at what I do, which has made me wealthy. I realize that must be an adjustment from the type of life he and Jace must’ve lived prior.

“Is that why you wouldn’t take that job?” he presses.

I feel my brother’s gaze drilling into the side of my head as I answer. “It has nothing to do with his title. I’m responsible for the death of his grandfather. Viktor hired me himself. There are simply…certain people I would never accept as targets. Viktor is one of them.”

“What about for a regular person? Someone like me?” Jace asks.

Sean shoves at him. “Man, we really don’t need to fucking know that.”

I find their curiosity amusing, so I decide to entertain it. “Without having to factor in travel or the low risk you pose, I’d take the job for sixty thousand.”

Honey Eyes pulls a face that makes me chuckle. “Low risk,” he protests.

“How would you do it?” Sean inquires on his behalf.

Jace levels a horrified expression in his direction that makes me giggle. He shakes his head. “I do not need you to answer that.”

Even my brother chuckles. I finish my bottle of water and set it aside.

“Sniper rifle,” I reply easily.

Jace blows out a breath, his eyes still rounded. “At least I wouldn’t see it coming.”

I glance at my brother and find him fighting a smile. I know he’d do things differently.

“How would you kill me?”

I tilt my head as I assess Sean. Does he really want to know? I’d never kill him. Not even with the metal of a barrel pressed to my temple. The look he pins me with now says that he knows that, though.

I think through the question before landing on an option as unique and creative as he is. “Accidental snakebite. I’d choose to use the saw-scaled viper since its bite is so venomous and highly toxic. The result would be severe blood-clotting issues that would eventually lead to hemorrhaging. Of course, I could just inject the venom into your system, but watching the snake strike is part of the fun.”

His eyebrows lift, the corner of his mouth twitching like he might be impressed, but it’s Jace who speaks next, his congenial tone tinged with disbelief. “Christ, Lou, you’re disturbed.”

“How would you do it?” Sean directs the inquiry to my brother, who blinks in surprise.

I crawl over to my other half and settle between his legs, my back sticking to the sweaty skin of his torso. Sean casually rests a hand on my thigh, and I let out a contented hum. Being in his arms is as wonderful as stripping out of your bra after a long day.

“Car explosion via remote detonation so I could ensure you two were together,” my brother responds with a blank expression, as though he’s discussing the Tuesday special at his favorite restaurant. I know it’s an act. He’d never do anything to hurt me.

“Do you think this is how journalists feel when they step into a room alone with a convicted serial killer, Digs?” Jace chuckles, and I know it’s a joke because they spent years alone with the worst sorts of humans.

I laugh and explain, “Mercer has a penchant for things that go boom.”

“Would it be a Koskinen murder if it wasn’t a bit theatrical?” Mercer retorts. Touché.

“Isä would be proud,” I tell him. He nods in agreement. I often wonder what my father would say about our chosen professions. I like to think he’d be proud.

Then, Jace’s face twists in pain before he drops his head back. “I bet they’ve frozen our accounts so we couldn’t pay to have each other murdered.”

“That’s alright. I’ll share my wealth,” I supply. “And we’ll find you both a job. Something that pays well.”

Mercer’s wide, brown eyes meet mine from across the room. I’m sure this is the most shocking part of the entire conversation for him to hear.