Page 69 of Terror at the Gates

He held out his hand as if to pet her but hesitated. “Can I?”

I nodded.

She was so small, he could only stroke her with the tip of his finger.

“She’s beautiful,” he said, meeting my gaze again.

“You like cats?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “I don’t mind them.”

“Do you want to hold her?” I asked, but he withdrew his hand.

“I should probably go. I have a few things to take care of today.”

“Anything of interest to me?”

He knew I was asking about Tori’s killers.

“Plenty,” he said but didn’t clarify and likely wouldn’t unless I showed up at his compound, but I didn’t feel the need. It was enough to have confirmation that he’d started the hunt.

Zahariev rose to his feet and paused at the door, turningto look at me.

“I gave your dad your new number,” he said.

My brows lowered. “Why?”

“Because he called.”

“So you’re besties now?” I asked. After last night, I didn’t want to be reminded that Zahariev’s actions were a favor for my father.

“We’re not,” Zahariev said with just as much frustration in his voice. “He asked me to make sure you were scheduled to attend your mother’s gala. He said you haven’t responded to his request.”

“So you told him what? You’d make me?”

“When have I made you do anything you don’t want to?” he asked.

I looked away. I felt like a pouting child, especially when my dad tried to manipulate me through Zahariev.

I took a deep breath, trying to quell my misplaced frustration. This was why I hated feelings.

“Are you going?”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said flatly.

I appreciated the sarcasm because it meant he dreaded the event as much as I did. He was only going because he had to, just like my mother only sent him an invitation becauseshehad to. We were all fucking sheep.

“I don’t know why he’s so persistent,” I said. “He knows this is going to piss my mom off.”

Zahariev shrugged. “Appearances.”

“Is that why you’re going?”

He didn’t answer.

I scoffed, shaking my head. “You’re such a fucking crit, Zahariev.”

His brows rose, and the corner of his mouth lifted in acold smile.

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