Page 56 of Tangled Souls

My heart warms and I clasp my hands together over my heart. “Aww, that is the sweetest,” I gush.

I swear the man’s lip twitch slightly, but he doesn’t smile. Nor does he look away from the soon to be dead man.

Kirill leans forward, his teeth nipping at my earlobe before he warns, “CarefulSolnishko.”

With a sigh, I mumble, “Spoilsport.”

His chest doesn’t rumble with laughter, but I can feel the vibrations against my back. It’s good enough for me.

My men exchange looks with Wolfe, Dominic, and Hendrix before herding me out of the room. Things will be taken care of in the room of death. The men who were innocent shall be given a chance to prove themselves, including the leader, and the dirty pussy fucking turncoat will die.

All in a day’s work, if you ask me.

As we walk out of the warehouse, I can’t help but ask the next question, “Now, what do we do about Betty?”

The gleam in the eyes of my men, filled with malice and probably too much excitement, is all the answer I need. I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy this next part.

CHAPTER 21

MAXIM

Sitting back to watch how this meeting plays out is not easy. All the self-loathing I’ve been sitting on for the few days since the gala has transformed. It’s become a white-hot fervor that won’t be extinguished.

I’m tired of this shit. Of Mikhail popping up and making waves. Of people operating in the shadows and thinking they’re smarter than us. Of our woman being in danger.

There’s no way I’m going to tolerate this shit any longer.

Whatever has been coming, marked by the feeling in my gut, is almost upon us. It used to feel like it was on the horizon, but something has shifted. Something is going to break, and I’ll make damn sure it’s not my family.

I’m lounging back in one of the couches in Kirill’s office. Waiting. I fucking hate waiting.

“She’s on her way,” Kirill’s voice breaks me out of my thoughts. I didn’t even notice him calling her.

Fuck. Am I losing my edge?

I guess it’s a fair trade for having Oaklynn in my life.

The door to Kirill’s office opens so fast that it makes mewonder if she was just waiting to be called into the room. Swallowing down the resentment and the hatred I have for this woman isn’t easy.

Remembering the look of surprise on her face when we got off the elevator not long ago, has my hands clenching into fists. This day is all about surprises, I suppose.

“Mr. Volkov,” Betty’s voice is sweet, too fucking sweet, as she tentatively approaches Kirill’s desk. When she looks around to find the rest of us sitting around the room, her eyes widen slightly, but she covers it quickly. “You wanted to see me?”

It’s not easy to stop myself from scoffing at her little innocent act. She’s so far from innocent that it’s ridiculous.

“Please sit,” Kirill offers and motions toward one of the chairs facing the desk.

Betty perches on the chair like she’s prepared to run at any moment. Good. She should be wary even if she has no idea what is about to happen.

“Our wife,” he looks away from her like he needs a moment and clears his throat, “was severely injured on a night when she should have shined. We’re only here to get a few things dealt with before we head back to her.”

Kirill might look away from her, but I don’t. The glee and look of victory on her face is clear to see. She’s unable to mask it fast enough. Or maybe she’s just too stupid to do so.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Betty tries to sound contrite, but it falls flat.

I clench my jaw to stop myself from barking something very colorful at her. The fucking audacity of this woman. It shouldn’t surprise me, but it still does.

“I’m sure you are,” Kirill’s voice is condescending as fuck.

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