Page 165 of Inferno

I stay silent as he approaches, wishing the pounding in my ears would shut up.

“I think it’s about time I got answers, don’t you, Mrs. Kovalyov?”

I keep my gaze fixed on him, ignoring the ache I get hearing him say my last name.

“Ask away.”

He sucks in a deep breath and tips his head back.

“I like you like this.” His tone lowers as he steps forward.

“Scared?”

“Just ask what you need to ask so I can go.”

I keep my arms as still as I can.

“Is that what you want? To get as far away from me as possible, again? Are you going to leave the knife in my damn back this time?” He tilts his head, assessing me.

“No knives. Just words.”

“Let’s keep it simple, shall we? Yes and no. I don’t want a conversation. I just want my answers, then I’m done with you.”

A sinking feeling pits in my stomach. I don’t know why I expected anything else.

“Were you married when we fucked?”

He almost sounds disgusted.

I flinch, and my leg starts to bounce.

“Yes.”

He scoffs, looking away from me for a split second.

“Were you in Italy to set me up?”

“No.”

“Did you know I was your mark when we had sex?”

“No,” I reply firmly.

He opens his mouth and closes it again.

“Are you here to kill me?”

I close my eyes.

“Look at me, heartbreaker. Are you here to fucking end me?” he says calmly, and I open up my eyes.

“Y-yes.”

He slams his palm against the wall and rests there.

“Do you fuck men on all your little missions?” He glares at me.

“Was I just your prey to play with? Huh?”

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