Page 51 of Inked Adonis

“Ah-ha!” she shouts like a mad scientist. “So this has nothing to do with him and everything to do with the fact that he might just be perfect for you.”

“I just met him. It’s a little early to start throwing around words like ‘perfect.’”

Even if I can look past the abduction and the long, sordid criminal history, there are other compatibility issues to consider. Does he binge-watch shows or savor them? Does he need something sweet after dinner? Because a man who doesn’t understand the sacred nature of dessert is a man I can’t trust.

“Which means it’s still a little early to decide this isn’t working,” she fires back. “You have to give him a chance.”

I grit my teeth to keep the truth buried deep, deep inside. “I’ll see the next two weeks through and make a call at the end of it, okay?”

I don’t mention that I have to see the next two weeks through regardless and that the only person making a call when it’s over is going to be Samuil.

Will I live? Will I die? Only Samuil can decide.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode.

Hope’s sigh whispers through the phone. “Okay. But please, for the love of God and me and all that is right in the world... fuck his brains out while you have the chance. It would be wrong to let that body go to waste.”

I suppress a laugh. She’d die if she knew about our bathroom encounter. “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, Hope. You’re an amazing boss. And an even better friend.”

“And don’t you forget it! Need me to do anything for you while you’re away?”

“One thing, actually,” I say, pouncing on the offer. “Grams. She has P.T. every Thursday. I usually go see her afterwards. Would you mind checking in on her for me while I’m away?”

“Of course! I love that sassy old cougar. Consider it done.”

“And just to keep our story straight—” I almost burst out into hysterical laughter at that, because this story is several left turns beyond crooked. “—as far as Grams is concerned, I’m away on business.”

Hope giggles. “Done. Your seventy-five-year-old grandmother won’t hear about your dirty trip with the king of the underworld from me.”

“Did I mention you’re the best?”

“Yes, but feel free to continue lavishing praise on me. I’ll expect a fruit basket and a full and detailed report when you get back,” Hope says. “Oh, wait. How did your meeting with Katerina go? You dropped off the radar before I got the rundown.”

“Pretty, uh… pretty uneventful,” I lie, looking down at Katerina’s dog, who is currently drooling on my socks. “She was exactly like you said she’d be.”

“Total bitch, then?”

“Total bitch.”

“At least she has good taste in dogs,” Hope adds.

Yeah, dogs.

And men.

The truth sits heavy in my chest as I end the call, wondering how many more lies I’ll have to tell before this is over. How many more betrayals I’ll commit in the name of survival.

Behind me, the city sparkles through the windows like nothing is wrong. Like I’m not trapped in this glass castle with a monster who wears Armani suits and carries violence in his veins.

But monsters, I’m learning, come in all forms. Some wear badges. Some wear designer clothes.

And some, like me, wear lies like armor and pray they’re strong enough to survive.

17

NOVA

I’ve only just said goodbye to Hope when Rufus perks up like the world’s largest meerkat.

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