Page 175 of Bossy Hero

“When you dance with the devil in the fires of hell, don’t be surprised when you get burned.”

Bigsby’s eyes resemble storm clouds, and I know I’ve hit a nerve. “I didnotchoose to dance with the devil.” Each syllable bears the weight of his unrelenting suffering.

“Then how did you end up here? You must have done something to get caught in Lenkov’s web.”

Wistfully, he shrugs and closes his eyes. “I fell in love.” When he opens them again, sadness and grief blend with the brown of his irises, making them appear jet black.

My only response is a subtle head shake and a flick of my hand in a rolling gesture, encouraging him to explain.

Yuri continues for his friend, his trademark Russian accent thick. “My sister, Anya, was in bratva just like me. This horrid life was all we knew from time we were children.” He tips his head toward Bigsby. “He was her mark. Nikolai’s father send Anya to seduce him as recruitment. You see?”

I nod.

Yuri continues. “Bigs was beat cop then. Lenkov needed him on payroll. Made big plans for him.”

“Plans?” I ask, pinging my gaze around the room.

Patterson leans his back against the one patch of the wall that isn’t covered with tools or shelves, quietly observing. I get the feeling he’s heard this story a time or two before. He reeks of disinterest.

Bigsby takes over the explanation. “With Lenkov’sinfluence, I advanced steadily through the ranks. Not so quickly that it would draw suspicion. But eventually, I ended up as chief. And for the last two years, he’s been planting roots and making payments to earn me a seat in congress with next year’s election. I’ve been quite an investment for him.”

When he pauses for a breath, I jump in. “So Anya succeeded in getting you to join the mafia. Sounds like you made a choice.”

Unless I’m missing something, this is still on him. Actions have consequences.

Yuri seems to be bothered by my accusation. Spine stiffening, he straightens his collar aggressively. “Lenkov use their love against them.”

Instead of telling mehowhe accomplished that, Yuri crosses his arms and... pouts.

It’s taking everything in me to avoid snapping at them tohurry it the fuck up.It’s what I would do if my team were drawing out an explanation this long. Seriously, let’s fucking go.

Speaking of my team... by now, they probably have a search party looking for me. Yet these fuckers are sitting here chatting like we have all the time in the world. I half expect someone to pull out a fucking tea set.

Nah. It’d be vodka.

The chief must sense my brewing frustration because he begins to unload at a much faster pace.

Thank—and I mean this sincerely—fuck.

“From the moment I first saw her, I knew I loved Anya. It sounds ridiculous, but we were simply made for each other.”

His sadness becomes palpable each time he speaks of her, giving me no doubt of his feelings. I think it’s safe to say she’s no longer alive.

“Sadly, Lenkov knew it as well. Initially, he’d planned to ask me for small favors. Things that many cops would do for the right price. Look the other way when a crime is being committed. Perhaps create a distraction in the department. Swipe a piece of evidence here and there. Small things. I resisted, successfully holding out for a long time.”

He pauses, eyes closed like he’s caught in the memories.

Gently, I prod him to continue. “Until...”

“Anya convinced Lenkov I was slowly warming to the idea of working for them. She asked for more time to persuade me. He saw through her pleas, recognizing them for what they were—a desperate attempt to save the man she loved.” His throat bobs as he works down a tight swallow. “When she got pregnant with Savin, Lenkov capitalized on the opportunity as only a monster could. A dirty cop who’d take a bribe might come and go. But a man who loves his family can be used as a tool forever. That’s exactly what he did. He used my love for her and our children to force me to do despicable things.”

Heightening the anguish of the moment, Yuri adds, “It’s Lenkov family tradition to use loved ones as leverage. Or, as in your case, revenge.”

Thoughts of Madeline and Lettie cross my mind.

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.

Bracing my forearms on my knees, I clasp my hands together loosely. “I can understand how you got into that situation, Bigsby. However, I can’t justify how long you let it continue. Savin and Katia are in their late twenties. In all that time, you couldn’t find a way to disentangle yourself?”

---