Page 17 of The Bratva Betrayal

“And you’re comfortable letting her get it?”

“No,” I say. “I’m comfortable watching her try.”

Benedikt studies me for a long moment, deciding whether this is a strategy or a mistake.

“You’re too calm about this,” he says.

“I’m calm about everything. I just haven’t decided that she’s the problem yet.”

“She broke into your office.”

“And didn’t take anything.”

“That we can prove.”

That’s fair.

“She’s careful,” I continue. “Too careful to make a move without knowing what she’s dealing with.”

“And that makes her less dangerous?” he asks.

“No,” I answer honestly. “It makes her deliberate.”

And that’s worse for everyone, including her.

A beat passes between us.

“If Colin’s moving,” I continue finally, “she’s either part of it or trying to get ahead of it.”

“And if she’s part of it?”

“Then we’ll know soon enough,” I say. “She’s not subtle enough to stay invisible forever. Especially being so close.”

That earns me a look of acknowledgment.

“And if she’s not?” he asks.

“Then she’s looking for something he doesn’t have.” I glance back at the laptop. “Which means she’s not fully aligned with him.”

That hangs there for a second.

Because that changes things.

Not enough to trust her, but enough to hesitate.

Benedikt shakes his head like he doesn’t like where this is sitting but isn’t ready to override it.

“You’re playing a dangerous game,” he mutters. “And I don’t like it.”

“Maybe.”

“If you’re wrong⁠—”

“I won’t be.”

He watches me for another second, then nods once. “Handle it.”

“I will.”