Page 57 of The Bratva Betrayal

“What? We just said it’s getting to be too much.”

Rian rubs a hand over his jaw slowly. “Da wanted you close to them. Not attached.”

“I’m aware.”

I’ve been aware since the moment my father decided I was the one he’d send into Russian territory instead of either of them. Close enough to gather information. Far enough that if something went wrong, it wouldn’t stain his precious sons.

That’s always been the difference.

I’m useful when I’m useful.

And disposable when I’m not.

“And what have you gotten out of this so far?” Killian asks. “Besides property damage and Russian stress?”

The answer isn’t simple enough to throw away casually.

Not nothing, but not yet enough.

“I’ve gotten access,” I say carefully. “I’ve gotten proximity. I’ve gotten into rooms I wouldn’t have been allowed into otherwise.”

“And?” Killian presses.

“And I’m still working.”

“This isn’t worth our sister’s life. Lucas Manifold and his organized-crime bullshit isn’t worth all this.”

“They’ll kill you,” Rian mutters. “If they know you’re spying⁠—”

“I’m not going to get caught.”

Rian watches me, weighing my words in the quiet way he does when he’s deciding whether I’m being careful or reckless.

“You two don’t get told to stop digging when it benefits Da. You don’t get told to stop when it’s dangerous. You get told to keep going until it makes sense for him. I’m just as essential⁠—”

“We know you are,” Killian claims. “But you’re not replaceable.”

“You need to be kept safe,” Rian says. “And Da… he’s tunnel-focused on Manifold and the Volkovs. We’re focused on you.”

“I’m going to get the same respect,” I quip. “Or I’m going to keep going until I find something that matters.”

Rian steps closer now, lowering his voice. “Cady, if this gets bad, I don’t know if we’re going to be able to get you out.”

“And you’re alone in it,” Killian adds.

That one hits a little too close.

Because I am.

Even with them standing right in front of me, I’m still the one in the room doing the work, hacking into systems, sneaking into rooms, and taking risks.

“I am careful.”

A beat passes.

I lead them back toward the kitchen before either of them can say anything else.

Killian glances toward the hallway. “I’m still going to kill Misha.”