Page 115 of Cashmere Ruin

“That’s awful.”

“It’s less than ideal. Hopefully, there’s nothing there.”

I wrap my arms back around Matvey. “I’m glad you told me,” I whisper.

A beat goes by. Two. “Of course,” Matvey rasps. “No more secrets.”

No more secrets.

“Which reminds me.”

I tilt my head up. “Of what?”

Unexpectedly, Matvey smirks. “I have a job for you.”

35

APRIL

The job, it turns out, is for the Groza Bratva.

I follow Matvey through the winding twists of the HQ’s basement level. It feels weird to be here—like I’m snooping around somewhere I shouldn’t.

At the same time, I’ve been invited here. Matvey invited me here. That alone fills my chest with warmth.

No more secrets, huh?I could get used to that. Being a part of Matvey’s life—allof Matvey’s life. Including the dark side.

Now, the only mystery left is what the heck I’m doing here.

When he opens the last door, I half-expect to be greeted by armed guards and crates of weapons, maybe piles of suspicious white bags in the corners… but there’s none of that. Hell, there isn’t even a speck of dust on the floor. Nothing like the spooky backroom I’d been expecting.

Instead, there’s machinery. Lots of it.

Oh, and people.

“Mr. Groza!” A woman in a lab coat strides up to us, eyes brimming with excitement. “So glad you could make it.”

Matvey shakes her hand. “And you. I’ve heard good things about your work, Professor Simmons.”

“I’m flattered. And this must be Dr. Flowers!”

For a second, I jump. Is my father here? Why didn’t anyone warn me?

And then I realize,Oh.She’s looking atme. “Um, I’m actually not?—”

But she’s already shaking my hand. “It’s an honor to meet you! When Mr. Groza talked to me about your project, I nearly lost my mind.”

“In a good way, I hope?” I smile nervously.

“More than good. I’ve been begging the military for years to let me work on a project like this, but they wouldn’t have it. I’m thrilled someone’s finally thinking ahead.”

“A project like…?”

“Nanofibers.” She grins. “Truly, your vision is amazing. I can’t wait to start.”

I admit, my head’s starting to spin. “Thank you. I— Uh, same, really.”

“Great! I’ll go get the others.”

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