Page 12 of Deadly Devotion

“What about Sandy?” she inquired. “Will Dimitri bring her here, too?” Her thumb rubbed small circles again over her wrist tattoo.

“She cannot come here. Dimitri will take her to a hotel and check her in under a false name. He will watch her tonight, and then I will assign another man to watch over her tomorrow.”

“I need to speak with her. I’d like to call her now.”

“Dimitri will call when he has retrieved her.”

“But, if you just let me…”

“That is final.” I cut her off before she could complete the sentence. I don’t allow strangers inside my estate to keep the Bratva business secret, and I don’t want her to tell Sandy where my estate is. To the ordinary person, I am just a successful art gallery owner. To my enemies in the criminal underworld, I am a target they would like to bring down along with the entire Avilov family.

Walking through the mansion, I watch Talia’s gaze wander over the marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and expensive paintings. The grand staircase and ornate arched doorways hint at the elegance and sophistication of the estate design.

Continuing the tour, I point out various rooms until we enter the spacious living room. The elegant décor enchanted her, although she kept her guard up. Wandering over to the grand piano, she admired a painting on the wall above it. “This is beautiful,” she expressed. “You must do very well at your art gallery. Your family must be very proud of you.” Turning to face me, I could see her scrutinizing the luxurious surroundings.

“Yes, as I told you when we met, family is everything. I am in charge of my family, and my art gallery is an important part of our business.” I sit on the velvet sofa, gesturing for her to sit as well. Her knee bounces up and down as she contemplates asking me what she really wants to know.

“What do you want to know,kiska?Go ahead and ask.” Draping my arms across the back of the sofa, I wait for her to ask her questions.

She releases a deep breath and looks me square in the eye. “Are you in the mafia? Is yourfamilya crime family?”

“I am the head of the Avilov Bratva. We are a family, and we are businessmen,” I reply casually. “Occasionally, we havedisagreements with other families, which can get messy. Some people call us criminals. It makes no difference to me.”

“Is that why your brother was killed?” she murmured.

“I don’t know why my brother was killed. But you are going to help me find his killer, and when we do, I will know what happened.”

“Are you going to kill the man that shot Mihail?” she asked cautiously. She seemed to be holding her breath, waiting for my answer.

“Yes.” I won’t lie to her. She should know the truth sooner than later.

“Have you ever killed anyone before?” She asked that question carefully, her eyes darting around the room.

“Yes, but you are in no danger here,” I assured her. “You are safe with me.” That was the absolute truth. I would sooner cut off my right hand than harm her.

She searched my face for any hint of dishonesty. Finding none, she visibly relaxed.

“Come, let’s get something to eat.” Holding out my hand, I helped her to her feet.

Ring! Ring!Glancing at my phone, I see it’s Dimitri calling. “Dimitri,” I answer. “What’s happening?”

Talia stiffens at the sound of his name. She is visibly frozen in place, hanging on every word. As soon as I end the conversation, she bombards me with questions.

“Is she okay? Where is she? Can I speak to her? I need to speak to her.”

“Sandy is okay. Dimitri took her to the hotel and will stay with her until tomorrow. Then I will send one of my men to relieve him.”

“I need to speak with her. Please, you don’t understand. Ihaveto speak with her.” Her eyes are boring into me, begging me to understand.

I remember her telling me in San Francisco that Sandy was more of a mother to her than a big sister. They grew up together in a foster home, and Sandy has been looking out for her ever since.That’s my job now.That thought took me entirely by surprise. She’s not my responsibility. She’s just valuable to me because she can identify Mikhail’s killer. I have enough responsibilities and don’t need this woman to become another one.

To get her off my back, I dial Dimitri’s number. “You may speak to her butdonottell her where my estate is. I don’t need your carelessness bringing enemies to my doorstep.”

Nodding in understanding, she eagerly takes the phone. Relief washes over her at the sound of Sandy’s voice. Ending the call, she hands my phone back. “Thank you, Aleksandr,” she says earnestly. “I think I need to lie down. It’s been a hell of a day.” Her face is creased with exhaustion. Cradling her stomach, she leans against the arm of the sofa.

“I will take you to your room and have Abram bring you something to eat.” Leading her up the grand staircase, I guide her to a guest room down the hall from mine.

I watch her reaction as she looks around the grand space, admiring the large four-poster bed, rich velvet curtains, and the chinoiserie floral wallpaper. The sitting area by the windows is adorned with a grand mirror with an intricately carved frame.She points to a painting over the bed and asks, “Who is the artist? It’s beautiful.”

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