Page 32 of Vitaly

“Yes, Pakhan,” I whisper.

When he removes his hand, I stiffen, the safety net he cast being dragged back ever so slightly. I open my eyes to find him smiling.

“I have a job for you.”

A job.

After the one I so stellarly succeeded at.

I nod. “Anything.”

He sits back in his chair. “Tonight, I’d like you to acquaint yourself with my nephew. Find out what he wants.”

My lips part, but I don’t speak for several seconds.

Snake.

Chaos.

Evil intentions.

Remember, Nikita?

“Pakhan, I… Don’t you think he’ll lie to me? Why don’t you just kill him?”

His smile falls, but I don’t correct myself. I won’t say I’m capable of the impossible.

“The Bratva knows Vitaly is here now. I can’t justkillmy nephew without him committing a crime, stupid girl. I would look weak and afraid… And yes, of course, he’ll lie to you.At first. That’s why I said acquaint yourself.”

I squint at him in confusion. “You think me sleeping with him will?—”

“You were given to him at one time, Mila. Now you are mine. Any man,anyman would feel a sense of possession over you. He’ll want to make you his, and when he thinks it’s working, he’ll ask you to help him with his plan against me. You are to do whatever is necessary to earn his trust. All transgressions will be forgiven as long as you report everything he tells you back to me.”

I lower my head, afraid that if he looks into my eyes, he’ll see my lack of faith in my abilities. My hatred for Vitaly burns fiery hot, and it’s impossible to imagine myselfconvincinglyplaying the part of his accomplice. Of his… Just ofhis.

I would have to pretend to be Vitaly’s. Pretend to be wrapped around his scarred palm. I’d have to kiss his tattooed skin, breathe in that woodsy smell.

I can’t.

Iwon’t.

“Is that understood?” Nikita’s tone is light, as if there’s more than one acceptable answer.

There isn’t.

No. That isn’tunderstood.

Tell me to slit a man’s throat. Tell me to burn a village to the ground. I’ll stand tall like a soldier.

This is a mission I cannot complete.

“Yes, Pakhan,” I lie.

“Good girl.” He smooths back my hair.

I clench my jaw, trying to keep myself from spitting the words that enter my mind, but they’re out before I can fully grasp them.

“I have a question first.”

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