Page 163 of Silenced

“I want a notepad. And a pen.”

“Whatever you need,solnyshko,” he signs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

While I get the feeling I could have held out for a tablet, I don’t mind. Instead, I give him a gentle squeeze and murmur, “That’s you, Nikolai. You’re what I need.”

I don’t care if it’s crazy. The truth often is.

He releases a harsh breath then places a harder kiss on my mouth. “Mine.”

Though I nod, because it’s the truth, I pull back and, with both hands cupping his cheeks, stare straight into his eyes and make my own claim: “Mine.”

His expression flickers between surprise and happiness before settling into smug satisfaction.

When he straightens his shoulders, somehow, I think I’ve given him the firepower to take down Russia itself, never mind Moscow.

And all I can think is—good.

40

NIKOLAI

SHUM - Go_A

* * *

I hate being backin Moskva.

Hate my country, period.

The second I stepped foot on US soil was the second that I cauterized my ties with the motherland.

Not once have I had to return.

Until now.

I don’t hate it because of the memories or because of what we left behind—my reason for not returning is standing beside the limo on the airfield when we arrive.

Dmitri’s father.

I’d expected and planned for a welcome committee, but fuck, why did it have to behim?

I’ve always detested Fyodor, enough that being on the same continent is unwise. Today, it’s more unwise than ever. The ties that bind me, that controlled me and kept me in line—they’re stretched paper-thin.

“Who’s that?” Cassiopeia asks, peering through one of the jet’s windows. “You got all tense.”

My jaw clenches. “It’s Dmitri’s father.”

“Oh.” She knows Dmitri’s story now. Her hand slips into mine, smoothing out my balled fist. “Do you have to talk to him?”

“Yes. One day, I’ll kill him.”

Though her eyes flare wide, she studies me. I can see the intensity of her gaze in my peripheral vision. “Is that day today?”

“It depends.”

“On?”

“What he has to say.” I flick a glance at her. “His presence changes things.”

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