Page 11 of The Enforcer's Vow
There's a question in his tone, but his eyes tell a different story. This isn't a request. This is part of whatever plan he's working. Still, I nod. "I suppose."
We fall into step together, heading toward the employee entrance. He doesn't try to take my arm or guide me—another calculated move. He's letting me set the pace, the boundaries.It's smart. It makes me feel in control when we both know I'm not.
"You look tired," he says after a moment.
"I didn't sleep well."
"Bad dreams?"
I glance at him sideways. "You could say that."
He nods as if he understands but doesn't push. We walk in comfortable quiet for several steps before he speaks again.
"Tell me about your family."
The question comes out casual, conversational. But my spine straightens anyway. "What about them?" He's not asking because he cares or has interest. He wants dirt on my brother, which he may as well go sweep up from whatever shithole Damir is hiding in. I won't give him up.
"You mentioned your brother yesterday. Are you close?"
I consider my answer carefully. Maksim already knows about Damir, given the circumstances. The question is how much he knows and what he wants me to reveal.
"We used to be," I say finally. "Things are complicated now."
"Complicated how?"
"Family always is." I stop walking and turn to face him. "What about you? Do you have family?"
He doesn't miss a beat. "I have four brothers." He smirks at me. "We work together sometimes."
"At the track?" I'm not dumb enough to fall into his game. I know who he is and what he does, and I know who his brothers are, too. This game of cat and mouse is agonizing.
"Among other things." His smile returns, but it's more sardonic now. "Nothing too exciting."
I start walking again, filing away the information. He's giving me pieces, but not the whole picture.
"I know you think my brother had something to do with what happened at the track..." My approach is about as direct as I can make it, which earns me a grunt.
Maksim's expression doesn't change, but I catch the slight pause in his step. "The police think it was a bad batch of drugs. Contaminated or cut with the wrong chemicals." He's so calm and collected. I wonder how many other women have fallen prey to him, to this game he's playing.
I watch his face as I speak. "Makes you wonder where it came from."
"Does it?" He looks at me directly now, hazel eyes searching mine. "I would think whoever was to blame would hide... maybe cover their tracks, don't you?"
"Of course." I shudder internally as we skate along the truth. Damir all but confessed that it was by his hand, but I believe him when he said it wasn’t him, that he's being set up. "I was just thinking out loud. It's scary how these things spread, you know? One bad decision, and people get hurt."
"One bad decision," he repeats slowly. "Yes, that's usually how it starts."
We've reached the employee entrance. Other clerks filter past us, heading inside to start their shifts. I should go in, get to work, maintain the routine. But Maksim is still looking at me with that unreadable expression, and I know this conversation isn't finished. I need more information from him, and he will certainly be back to grill me.
"I should get inside," I say, flicking a glance at the door. I'm not sure what to do next. I've never done anything like this before and I feel like I'm in over my head.
"Of course." He steps back, giving me space. "What time do you finish today?"
"Seven."
"Would you have dinner with me? There's a place I know—quiet, good food."
I pretend to consider it, though I've already decided. I need more time with him, more opportunities to probe for information. And despite everything—despite knowing he's dangerous, despite my brother's warning—I find myself curious about him.
