Page 13 of Cruel Honor

“We’re getting married,” the young woman screeches. Tatiana, I presume.

“Are we, though?” Dimitri shrugs, acting way more nonchalant than I’d expect from someone facing down a gun.

“Yes, you are,” Abram says. His gun is still resting at his side, but that doesn’t remove the tension from my body.

“Katya,” I whisper. “We should get out of here.”

“Good idea. There’s a back entrance. Come on.” We start slowly walking away from Dimitri and Abram and his gun.

I’m amazed no one else is trying to leave. Is this their normal? Is this what it’s like to be a part of the Bratva?

We reach the back door, but we don’t leave.

“Katya, what aren’t you telling me?”

She sighs and drops her head. “Fine. My brother … he works for the mob. The Russian Mafia. Well, he’s someone in charge. Not the only one with high-ranking power, but he’s up there.”

I stare at her for a long moment, trying to find my voice. “I’m sorry. Your family is part of the Russian Mafia!?”

“I know, I know. That’s why I didn’t tell you. Your reaction. I knew you wouldn’t take it well. But listen, Evie, I didn’t tell you because it’s not safe. This is a dangerous world.”

“So, then, why bring me to your brother’s club?”

“Because I know he’ll protect me. How was I supposed to know some old man would come in with a freaking gun?”

“Because your brother works for the Russian mob!”

She pauses then nods. “Ok. Fair point. Let’s just get out of here. We can head back to my house.”

“Fine,” I mutter. It hurts that my best friend has kept something huge from me for years. It’s also surreal that I know someone who’s part of the mob. I’m just a woman who works part time at the library. I’m not cut out for this.

Katya and I turn back to the door but stop when we see a man standing in our way.

“Hello, girls,” he says. He’s wiry and skinny, but there’s a strength to his stance. It’s almost … predatory.

“Hi,” Katya says warily. “If you could kindly move out of the way …”

He shifts, blocking the door even more.

I glance behind me. Everyone is watching Dimitri and Abram. No one’s watching us. Except for this man.

“Now, why would I do that?” he asks in a low voice that sends chills down my spine. “You’re right where I want you. Well, not you.” He turns his eyes from Katya to me. “But you. You’re exactly what I’m looking for.”

I gasp and take a step back. Katya gets in front of me, her hands out. “I have stiletto shoes that will blind you if you come close,” she warns.

The man laughs. There’s no humor to it. “I don’t think so.” In a quick motion, he raises his hand and karate-chops Katya in the neck. She stumbles to the ground, and he wraps his arms around her neck, holding on tight until she goes still.

“Oh my god,” I whisper. “Katya.” I look back at the man. He lets Katya go, and she slumps to the ground. I think I see a pulse in her neck, but I can’t be sure.

“You,” he says. “You’re coming with me.” So fast, he grabs me around the waist. I let out a scream before he covers my mouth and drags me out the back door.

DIMITRI

“You’re supposed to marry my daughter,” Abram warns.

“Well, I decided against that. That’s why I’m throwing this party. To find myself a wife I actually want.” There’s no point in lying now. Both Abram and Tatiana are here. The cat is out of the fucking bag.

Tatiana gasps. It sounds like she’s sucking helium out of a balloon. “You don’t want me? But you …”

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