Page 7 of Crimson Fate

“You know exactly what I mean,” I snap back. “You’re too innocent, too pure. Our world will eat you alive; that’s why I need you to stay away.”

She stares at me for a moment with her lips set in a tight line. Suddenly, her expression hardens. “Fine. But you might want to be careful how many times you push me away, Vincent. You might only isolate yourself from everyone who cares about you.”

I watch as she walks away, feeling a pang of guilt in my chest. She didn’t deserve the way I treated her even though I know this is for her own good. She doesn’t understand the danger of trying to get close to me.

“Go home, Eva,” I say over my shoulder, but she ignores me as I return to my study. Picking up the envelope Dimitri left, I carefully open it and pull out the invitation to Alexei’s dinner. I read through it, analyzing every word and every possible meaning.

Taking a deep breath, I lean back in my chair, my mind racing with the possibilities. I can’t afford to make a wrong move, not when the stakes are this high. I need to be cautious but also prepared for whatever might happen at the dinner.

I reach for my phone, hoping that Eva isn’t wrong and I can still trust my sister. I dial Amelia’s number. She picks up on the second ring, her voice breathless.

“Vincent? Is everything okay?”

“I hope so,” I say. “I just had a visit from two of Alexei’s men. They delivered an invitation to a dinner he’s hosting tomorrow night.”

There’s a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Amelia responds, her voice tight.

“Oh good, I can’t wait to see you.”

“I didn’t say I was coming.” I chuff. “What’s this for?”

She laughs. “I would think it’s obvious, but a dinner invitation is usually for dinner.”

I grit my teeth, frustration building within me. “Amelia, this is serious.”

“Vincent,” she says, her voice calm. “I promise, it’s nothing bad. We want to have dinner with you and discuss some family matters.”

“Family matters—” I gasp, instantly wishing I had softened my response. “Which family, the one you abandoned or the new one?”

“I’m your sister,” she snaps. “Why would you even say something so hurtful? What do you think? I would let Alexei do something to hurt you?”

“You can’t blame me for being cautious,” I reply.

“Whatever, do whatever you want. Alexei was just trying to extend an olive branch because he loves me,” she exclaims before ending the call.

I hang up the phone and lean back in my chair, my mind racing. Despite the gnawing dread in my gut, I can’t silence the desire to trust that Amelia would never do anything to put me in harm’s way. In the end, I know I will likely accept the invitation.

Chapter Three

This morning, Marco’s perplexed expression greets me as I open the door to my office. “Boss, Eva is at the desk downstairs. Should I buzz her up?” He scratches the back of his neck, as surprised by her unexpected arrival as I am.

After our argument last night, I didn’t expect her presence so quickly, but part of me is relieved. I hate the idea of Eva being upset with me. I never imagined how lonely the house feels after Amelia and Alexei married. Amelia’s absence shone a light on how alone I really am now that both of our parents are gone. “Of course. Tell her I’ll be in the kitchen,” I say as I turn and make my way there.

As I pour myself a mug of freshly brewed coffee, an idea suddenly lands in my mind. I will surprise Eva with breakfast as a thank-you for all she has done for me lately. She practically lived at our place after my father’s murder. When Amelia walked down the aisle, she checked in on me every few days to ensure I was handling the transition of my sister’s wedding, no matter how much of an ass I was. She’s one of the most loving women I have known, and while she was my sister’s best friend growing up, I have always considered her a friend as well, especially as an adult.

The smell of toast fills the air as I crack eggs into the sizzling pan. I hum to myself, focusing on the satisfying sound of cooking. My thoughts are interrupted by the soft creak of the kitchen floors.

“Vincent? What are you doing?” Eva’s voice is full of amusement as she takes in the sight before her. I can see her eyes widen with surprise, then twinkle with delight.

“I hope you’re hungry.” I grin at her.

“You’re cooking?” she asks with disbelief in her voice.

“Don’t sound so shocked. I thought I would make you some food as a little thank-you for everything you’ve been doing for me lately,” I explain.

Eva chuckles and walks over to the counter. “But you don’t cook.”

I act offended by her statement. “This frying pan in my hand would say you’re wrong about that.”

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