Page 30 of The Hermit

Am I?

I shrug. “She doesn’t annoy me at all.”

Again, surprise flutters over my sister’s face. “Wow. Miracles do happen.”

“Enough of Grace,” I mutter. Changing the topic, I say, “I’m setting up a meeting with Leo, Enzo, and Ilias so we can form an alliance. I’m tired of the bratva interfering in my business, and it’s time to show them who rules the world.”

Evinka’s face sets in a serious expression, and she nods.

“I want a bunker in a desert or an island in the middle of nowhere. It must be difficult for the Russians to attack.”

Evinka signs, “On it.”

My eyes lock with hers. “Be careful out there.”

She nods again, and only then do I notice she’s cut her hair shorter.

“Any shorter, and you might as well shave your head bald,” I mutter.

She rolls her eyes at me, then signs, “It makes me look badass.”

Moving away from the window, I take a seat on one of the couches and ask, “Where are Alan and Krystof?”

She sits down on the other couch and signs, “Out front checking the Devlins’ guards. I’m leaving Sef and Martin with you.”

I shake my head. “I don’t need guards.”

Her eyes narrow, and just from the stubborn look she’s giving me, I know she’ll fight me on the matter.

I let out a sigh, then say, “They’ll only annoy me, and I’ll end up killing them. Keep the men with you.”

With one hard shake of her head, her fingers begin to fly again. “You’re not invincible, Dominik! With the bratva attacking everywhere, you have to know you have a target on your back. Just keep Sef and Martin with you while you’re here. I’ll tell them to stay out of your way.” She gives me a pleading look. “Besides, I don’t trust Devlin at all.”

Giving in because I know Evinka is right, I nod, and it makes her let out a relieved sigh.

I need to wrap up business with Devlin as fast as possible and get my ass off this property.

Chapter 9

GRACE

I carry the plate I prepared for Dominik to the cottage. Not because I care two shits about him, but because I have manners. He prepared the food, so at the very least, I can make sure he gets to eat some.

That’s the lie I’m telling myself as I knock on the door.

It takes a moment before it opens and I’m looking at his sister. Even though her hair is cut super short and she’s not wearing any makeup she’s so beautiful, I struggle not to stare.

Evinka’s her name, right?

Feeling intimidated by her, I practically squeak, “Hi.” I’m not sure if she’s deaf, and I hope I don’t offend her in any way as I add, “I brought food for Dominik.”

Her eyes remain trained on me, and the corner of her mouth lifts slightly as if I amuse her.

Dominik comes up behind her and mutters, “I’ve got it.”

At least now I know she’s not deaf.

When Evinka walks back toward the living room, I hold the plate out to him. “You should eat.”

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