Page 111 of Relentless Sinner

That’s been no great loss on my part. He’s even creepier than the night I met him and Yuri. I wish he weren’t talking to me.

Movement on the balcony catches my attention, and I see Jaxon again walking across it again. Him and Estelle.

Damn.Looks like he’s going out again.Andwith her. My heart sinks. It’s already getting late. I was hoping he’d be finishing up by now so we could talk.

I guess that won’t be happening.

“There they go again,” Levka hums in an almost sing-song voice.

I look back at him. He’s staring at Jaxon and Estelle. When he looks back at me, his smile widens.

“Always busy, those two. Although I thought Jaxon would have been more mindful now that he’s married.” He tilts his head and regards me with those uncanny eyes.

I don’t like the way he said those last words. Like he was implying something. If he is, I’d like to know. “What do you mean by more mindful?”

“Please tell me you’re notthatnaïve.” Hetsks, tsksat me like he’s pitying me. “I’d feel sorry for you if you thought that Jaxon and Estelle were simplyworking.”

“Aren’t they?” I ask in a meek voice that gives away my naivety.

“No, my dear sweet girl. It’s a well-known fact that Jaxon and Estelle have been fucking around since they were in theirteens. Women come and go in my cousin’s life, but Estelle is his constant.”

The Texas-sized lump already living in the bottom of my stomach metastasizes into a planet. The air in my lungs burns like acid, and my heart… I can’t feel it.

I try to swallow, but the back of my throat is so dry even an ocean of water wouldn’t soothe me.

“Aww, looks like you truly didn’t know. I didn’t think you’d mind his sleeping around because your marriage is simply a business contract.”

“Of course, I mind.”

“Well, I’m sorry to say that Jaxon will see you as nothing more than the side-chick.”

“Stop it right now.” Eve’s voice carries around us like an echo.

Levka and I turn at the same time to find her standing a few paces away with a tray of cookies and tea.

I’ve never heard Eve raise her voice before, and I’ve never seen her look so enraged. I also didn’t think she’d be allowed to speak to someone like Levka with such anger.

“Eve. What have I done this time, sweetheart?” Levka feigns innocence and places a hand over his heart. “I was simply giving Gabriella here some wisdom I thought she should know.”

It’s amazing how many people think they need to give me wisdom. First Dad. Now Levka. Both of which are the worst sorts of people I’ve ever come across in my life.

“She doesn’t need your wisdom.”

“Eve Selenska.” Levka stalks up to her with his hands behind his back and a foreboding look in his eyes. “It’s a good thing you work for the Pakhan. If you were part ofmyhousehold, you’d be dead for your insolence.”

“Yes, youareright. It is a good thing I’m not part of your household. So, if you’re done giving your wisdom, I’d like to speak to my lady. I have her schedule to discuss.”

Wow.I’m proud of Eve for her confidence. And calling memy ladyadds a nice touch. The staff started calling me that after Jaxon and I got married.

I wish I could feel half as confident as Eve. I didn’t think anything could make me feel so shaken and disturbed when it came to Jaxon. I was so very wrong. My chest feels like glass, and even the slightest breeze could shatter it, then my heart would simply fall out.

“I’m done.” Levka gives her a steely stare that could melt rock then glances back my way. He doesn’t say anything more, though.Good.I couldn’t take another word.

He walks away, heading back into the house. Eve and I watch him until he goes through the doors, then she walks toward me and sets the tray down on the little table next to me.

“Are you okay?” Her voice is softer now.

“I…” I’m still stunned, and now I feel so foolish. Levka may be an absolute asshole, but what if is he’s right? “Is it true? You must have heard what he said about Jaxon and Estelle.” I’m sure she did from how she sounded when she yelled at him.

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