Page 102 of The Dark Side

Jolie was getting dressed, slipping a shirt over her head.

"I saw your face." Katia stood against the doorframe, watching every emotion come across the girl's features. "At breakfast, when I kissed Adrik."

Jolie stared, wide-eyed, at the floor.

Katia laughed. She loved when she was right. "If you plan on staying in the Mafia, you must do better at hiding your thoughts." Katia turned out of the room, sat on the bed, and waited.

Jolie slowly stepped into the room, guilt and shame soaking in her stance.

"Are you and Adrik fucking?"

With a quick shake of the head, Katia reiterated, "Are you dating?"

Hesitantly, Jolie nodded.

Katia knew it was only a matter of time, but she was surprised at how fast Adrik moved. Usually, he played with girls like a cat after a stray mouse. But this one was different, she knew. He was no doubt in love with her. "Are you in love with him?" Katia laughed. "What am I asking? Of course, you are. You left your entire life behind to join a dangerous criminal family. No one does that for sex." The way Jolie knitted her brows and thought, maybe the realization hadn't dawned on her yet. This was the time to hit her with something else, but Katia flicked the light on before she asked, "The pen was yours, wasn't it?"

And like she knew she'd see it, the fear ignited in her gaze. If she had been looking at Yakov when he asked, he would have known it was her instantly.

"You are working with the FBI."

"No, I—" Jolie struggled with a defense. Everything could fall apart here if she didn't salvage it.

Katia held up a hand to stop her. "I'm not going to turn you in."

The chaos in her face stalled. "You're not?"

"You saw Gil and I."

She nodded sheepishly.

"So, then we are even."

Katia could see the confusion. Their secrets were not evenly matched, true enough, but Katia couldn't risk Adrik finding out about Gil. Not with what happened last time. Gil's survival meant her escape from the Morozov family.

"Are you still working for the FBI?"

Jolie shook her head.

"Why not?" But the answer was already on her lips. "Your target was Adrik." She giggled at the irony. "God loves drama." Katia shifted as her plan began to take shape. "Won't the FBI get upset with you?"

"I don't care."

Katia tapped a finger on the nightstand, contemplating. No, Katia needed Jolie to keep her connection with the FBI. Katia might need it one day. "Alexei is an easier target."

"I thought you cared for Alexei."

She snickered. "I have no care for anyone in this family. Think of me from now on as your partner. I will help you navigate the Mafia and find ways to get the information you need. And you will keep my secrets."

Jolie clenched the towel tight to her chest. "I don't want to help the FBI anymore."

"But you will." Katia smiled. "Because you want to help Adrik get rid of his father. And it might be the only way he'll forgive you."

Chapter thirty-eight

Dark Side

Adrikcouldfeeltheweight of his brother's stare as he looked out the window. His leg bobbed with such force it vibrated the car. Every stop sign and light was a nick at his already disintegrating patience.

---