Page 200 of Silenced

“And if you need him to be killed, then I have a great in with a mob boss, you hear me?”

“You’re a better friend than I deserve, Savannah.”

She sighs but winks at me. “Story of my life.”

When the cell phone Nikolai bought me yesterday buzzes with a notification, I frown as very few people even know I now possess one.

Despite having a million guards on me, Nikolai couldn’t deal with me leaving his side without being able to get in touch.

Funny how that’d have felt like a chain around my neck with Harvey.

With Nikolai, on the other hand, it’s a reminder of what I am to him, of whoheis to the world.

Unknown: Nikolai gave me your number this morning. I assume he wants us to be friends?

Unknown: This is Maria. Pavel’s wife.

My frown deepens.

“What is it?” Savannah asks.

“It’s this woman… She’s the wife of Niko’s third-in-command.”

“What does she want?”

“To be friends.”

She snorts. “You look like she asked you to eat rotten eggs.”

That has me blinking. “I guess I’m just not used to making friends anymore.”

“Now’s the time to start. If she’s the wife of someone high up the ranks and has been for a while, it’d be good to get her on your side.”

“Why?”

“Because she’ll know things you don’t, things you might need to learn if you intend on being with Nikolai for a long time.” She tilts her head to the side. “Doyou intend on staying with him…?”

The wordsforever and a daywhisper through my mind.

I just clear my throat and nod.

She hums. “Then, make friends. Better than making enemies.”

“True. I guess I’m out of the habit, you know?”

“That bastard. How did Rundel die again?” she queries, a curious look in her eye.

“Painfully,” I chirp, knowing she was guessing that was why Harvey isn’t a problem anymore.

At my confirmation, a smile beams from her. “Fabulous!” She wafts a hand at me. “Go on, answer her.”

“God, you’re bossy.”

That has her preening. “Aidan says that’s his favorite part about me. After my ass.” She stills. “Or was it my tits?”

“I don’t want to know,” I groan as I type out:

Me: Hey there. Nice to hear from you :)

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