Page 108 of The Dark Side

Jolie's heart broke for her, for Adrik, and for torn futures. She hadn't known it was so terrible between them. Adrik's bitterness now made sense. He had loved Katia once. He had beeninlove with her.

Jolie's belly filled with a tinge of jealousy. She didn't want to face that.

"The only thing between Adrik and I now is hatred. Remember that no matter how good we play the game."

Jolie giggled. "I did get jealous. My ex cheated on me right under my nose with so many freaking girls. I was so naive and so trustworthy. I always give the benefit of the doubt, even to those who don't deserve it. I hate that about me."

"I'm sure that's what Adrik loves about you."

Katia turned her face as she thought,it’swhy I can use you, sweet girl.

Even from twenty floors below, the music on the roof could be heard, and it shot Jolie out of her chair. "Let's go!" She took Katia's hand, squeezing her fingers as they rushed to the elevator. Two guards slipped into the steel box with them, whispering into an earpiece. Jolie didn't think she would ever get used to their constant presence.

Jolie was surer than anything that she could make Katia her friend and maybe even help the strained relationship between Adrik and herself. She could be the catalyst that allowed them to forgive, and then they could work together to raise their daughter in a better setting. Children of divorce were less likely to succeed in school and were more likely to suffer from mental disorders. She saw it too many times teaching. Helping the parents could help Helina, and that was what she was here for.

A passcode allowed them onto the roof, and when the door opened, security greeted them, checking over their invitation before leading them to the main glass door and holding it for them.

The party was in full swing. Girls in thin-string bikinis were sitting along the poolside; the DJ was set up in the corner, with a strobe light and a colorful ball that twisted around to the beat of the music. The sight would have intimidated Jolie, but the liquor kept the excitement alive.

A waiter held a tray of tequila shots, and Jolie took two. She threw the first one back and cringed, stomping her foot and twisting her body as she forced herself to swallow it. Katia laughed, unhindered. "Again, again." Katia encouraged, and Jolie took a breath, regretted it, and took the second shot. She wanted to cry as she swallowed, her tongue sticking out in disgust. When it was Katia's turn, the woman took it like a pro, only shaking her head and hissing.

Jolie took off her sundress and dived into the pool.

Katia didn't know what to make of this woman. She was utterly different from hours ago, and Katia wasn't sure if this was good. But it was going to beveryentertaining.

Chapter forty

Test

Adrikgrippedthesteeringwheel of his Maserati and pressed hard on the gas. The power of the engine was hypnotic. It sang into the palm of his hand and transformed him into a god. He weaved through traffic, untouchable. But his knuckles hurt, and he had to loosen his hold.

Zinof, Katia's brother, was currently held in their dungeon. It was a small dark room they used to interrogate. Usually, they kept such things out of their house, but in some instances, with high-profile individuals, they brought them home. It was the best fortification, impenetrable from all angles. And there was no doubt in Adrik's mind that Katia's family would be coming for him. What would they bargain? He doubted it would be enough to change his mind.

Gil hung over between the front seats, too big to sit comfortably in the back, but he was smaller than Alexei, who sat in the passenger, looking like a bear stuck in a doggy door. He shifted, trying to move his legs and failing. "I hate this car. Why couldn't we take the limo?"

Adrik loved to drive. It was the power of control visibly in his hands.

"I think the girls were trying to get away," Alexei pointed out. "We shouldn't be going."

Gil fought back with, "Why should they get to have all the fun? I need a day off, too. You guys got to go to Puerto Rico. I want some Spanish pussy."

Alexei responded, "First, we were there for like twelve hours, and second, we didn't go there for pussy. Is that all you think about?"

"Dude, why isn't it all you think about?"

"Because I'm an adult."

"Oh, 'I'm an adult,'" Gil mocked. "If you're gay, just say you're gay. We won't judge you."

Alexei attempted to hit him, but the seatbelt kept him tied to his chair and frustrated him more than anything.

"I had a bisexual experience once," Gil admitted. "It wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be."

Adrik looked up in the mirror, catching Gil's humorous gaze, and fought off a laugh. Gil was constantly pushing boundaries. Where Alexei was more reserved, Gil never got embarrassed about anything. It was a perfect combination for brothers.

Alexei hid his face. "God, why do I know you?"

Gil slapped his shoulder, laughing, "Lighten up! Adrik knew it was a joke."

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