He has every intention of making this come to fruition.
“You wouldn’t.”
The funny thing is, I can see he would.
“If that’s what you think, this interaction was a waste of your time.”
He turns around and takes three steps, so we’re now facing one another.
“Have you heard of The Black Dolphins?”
“Yes.” To the world, it’s the second most lethal prison in the world, first in Russia specifically.
To our society, Black Dolphins is the place you go to become a lethal fighter in a cage that doesn’t open up until there’s only one fighter left breathing.
It was originally the place I was going to go to get the best training to become an elite assassin, but I couldn’t last twenty-four hours.
All my other peers didn’t even make it back alive from the trial.
“Meaning you are aware of their program for the toughest criminals. The longest one has lasted was three months, but a teenager ended up breaking that record. It’s still undefeated.”
“How many months did he last?” I dare to ask.
“Two,” he begins. “Years.”
Our stare-off is different now.
Far more intense.
“What crime did you commit?” I hold my breath and try to ignore just how fast my heartbeat is going. To face a man who survived the most dangerous prison in the country where I’ve gained all my technique and survival instincts makes me fear who Matteo truly is.
And here he is.
Having access to money, power, and fame.
Who has every intention of making V fall for him.
I expected his deep chuckle as I watch him take a step aside, so we’re standing side by side.
What I don’t expect is his admission.
“I didn’t commit one,” he assures me with the truth. “I volunteered.”
I feel the sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach while tingles of fright hum through me. I’ve met an array of people many would label as villains. Lethal criminals, serial killers, rapists, and psychotic masterminds who finally got caught, but never have I met a survivor of The Black Dolphins.
A champion… who volunteered to claim the title.
“I’m a dog who waits for the right signal to bare its teeth at anyone who threatens my master,” he reveals menacingly. “All Eva has to do is tell me to bite, and trust me, I’ll get rid of anyone who dares hurt her in any way,” he vows. “Including my little brother.”
No one will get in his way.
“See you at the breakfast table.” He begins his gallant exit. “In uniform, Aries.”
I swallow the lump in my throat that I didn’t realize was there.
“Yes, Ruthless King.”
That was the purpose of the conversation.