Page 55 of Emerald Vices

He actually smiles. “Yes. You, the girl who shot me.”

I hide my surprise behind the calmest smile I can manage given the circumstances. “You can always talk to me, Andrey. About anything.”

He nods, his lips pulling up at the corners. “I just might take you up on that.”

22

ANDREY

The remains of the party are scattered under a huge banner that reads “Welcome Home, Aunt Annie!” Half-deflated balloons bob from the banister of the staircase and paper plates and glasses cover every flat surface.

“You missed all the fun.”

I turn to find Leonty leaning against the archway, a tipsy smile on his face. “Looks like it was a success.”

“It wasn’t bad,” he admits with a shrug. Six months ago, Leonty would have considered the idea of any party outside a nightclub to be the very definition of pathetic. Times have changed, apparently. “The girls went all out.”

I swat at one of the balloons when it creeps close to my head. “I’ll bet Annie was thrilled.”

“She was. Asked where you were, though.”

I loosen the tie around my neck and throw it on the sofa. “I don’t get to slack off like the rest of you.”

The truth is, I wanted to be at the party. But since Natalia and I had our little chat, I’ve been keen to avoid her. Not because I didn’t mean what I said—but because I want to manage her expectations. I want to give her what she wants.

The question remains whether or not I can.

“Everyone in bed?” I ask.

“Pretty much. Except Annie.” He tips his head towards the hallway behind him. “I passed her room just now and her light was still on.”

I clap Leonty on the back as I pass him on the way to Annie’s room. I knock twice and hear a soft “Come in.”

“Well, well, if it isn’t my gracious host.” She’s in a chair by the open window, a chilly breeze filtering in.

“I’m not hosting you. You live here now.”

“If you don’t start charging me rent, I’m gonna think there’s a catch.” She shakes her head like she can’t quite believe. “Bring me that scarf hanging behind the door, will you? It’s cold in here.”

Once she’s wrapped in a cashmere stole I recognize as one of my early gifts to Natalia, she fixes me with her eagle-eyed gaze. “You better have a good reason for missing my welcome party, or else I might take the offense personally..”

“That candidness of yours is always refreshing.” I drop into the chair across from her. “I’m sure you didn’t miss me. From the looks of it, it was a great party.”

“Are you avoiding my daughter?” she presses.

“Did I say your candidness was refreshing?” I tease. “I meant ‘annoying.’”

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

I run my finger along the arm of the chair. “Has Natalia said anything to you?”

“If you’re fishing for information from me, you’ve come to the wrong pond, young man.” She tightens the scarf around her shoulders. “From what I hear, she was vulnerable enough with you. You should know what she thinks. What I want to know is what you think.”

“I think Natalia was very brave.”

“You’re avoiding my question.”

“Because I don’t have an answer for it yet,” I admit. “She wants all or nothing, Annie. I’m not sure I can give her that.”

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