Page 131 of Merciless Queen

For the next three days,she ignores my calls. My days get longer. My mood lower. Even visiting Serafina doesn’t hold the same interest.

I’ve gone days without my fix.

I scroll through the number of missed calls. Clearly, she’s given up on humouring me. The thought is a kick to the gut, so I open the text thread instead, typing out a message for her to disregard.

Me

You’re ignoring me.

Vanessa

Go away.

Me

What are you scared of?

Vanessa

My lawyers found a way to break the contract. We’re done, Mancini. Live your life, I’ll live mine.

She’s bluffing. If they had, I’d have heard by now.

Me

Like I said when you left, you can’t run from this. We’re linked, for better or for worse.

Vanessa

Not for much longer.

Me

I’ll believe it when I see it.

Vanessa

You sound like a child.

Me

Just a realist.

Vanessa

Whatever.

“Thanks.”I shake the bar manager’s hand before turning away. “Good work. You know who to call if you need anything else.”

“Will do. Have a nice day, Miss Volkov,” the man calls out as I exit his office, heading back to the main section of the bar where I left Anastasia.

She’s leaning against a wall, halfway to the mouth of the main part, and watches me approach with an expression suggesting she has something on her mind.

“Just say it,” I grumble.

“Are you okay?”

I stop in front of her. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

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