Page 49 of Beautiful Trauma
“If you’re going to act this way about it, I’ll stop helping you out.”
Quinn’s brows slashed down. “Are you even listening to yourself?”
Dare nodded. “He’s right, mate. This isn’t like you.”
A knock at the door silenced our argument. “Yes?” Callum called.
Laurel poked her head in the room. “The Korolovas are here.”
“Send them in.”
We rose from our seats in anticipation. The office door opened, and the Korlovas began to file in. Of course, Danill was first. A sour expression framed the notorious pahkan’s face. Behind him came his heir, Dima.
To my surprise, the next person was a woman. At first glance, I thought it was Annika. Although I’d never met her in person, I’d seen her in some pictures Dare had.
When she glanced up and her gaze met mine, her steps faltered. A myriad of emotions swirled in her blue eyes.
And then it hit me that I had seen that face before, but it hadn’t belonged to Annika.
It was Mya.
As I stared at her, I searched her features for the woman I’d been with. The chestnut hair that I’d buried my face in was now platinum blonde. The dark eyes I’d been staring into when I came were ice blue.
The realization had me sucking in a harsh breath. Danill immediately zeroed in on my moment of weakness–a gleam burning bright in his eyes. “I don’t believe introductions are in order for you and my daughter, Mila.”
At his audacity, a low growl echoed through Dare, but my face remained impassive. “While I met Mya, I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure with Mila.”
A lecherous smile curved on Danill’s lips. “Oh, I think you have in more ways than one.”
My gaze flicked from him over to Mila. Although mortification tinged her cheeks, her fists clenched at her sides. “It’s nice to see you again, Ms. Korolova.”
Danill chuckled. “Such a gentleman you are. I don’t think I’d have it in me to be polite to the woman who had played me for a fool.”
“Enough!” Callum blared. He jabbed a finger at Danill. “I think it’s time we got down to business.”
With a shit-eating grin, Danill swept his hand to his chest. “My apologies. I never imagined Mila’s presence would be so polarizing.”
“I don’t recall extending an invitation to anyone but you and your heir,” Callum replied.
“And why should I not include her when she’s already so involved in the situation? I mean, we wouldn’t even be here today without her intel mission. I’d be back in Philadelphia with Darragh still ignoring my calls.
Dare flashed a shark-like smile at Korolova. “If you had wanted to know my business, all you had to do is ask. At least then, maybe your daughter wouldn’t have whored herself out for intel.”
At Mila’s gasp, I whipped my head around to glower at Dare. “Watch your fucking mouth!”
While Dare’s jaw dropped wide in shock, Danill roared with laughter. “It always comes down to pussy, doesn’t it, boys? Men lose their minds over it. They break apart friendships and even brotherhood, all for pussy.” Grinning at Dare, he countered, “Men even walk away from lucrative alliances because of it, right?”
Callum’s jaw clicked as he tried to rein in his rage. “Sit down.”
The amusement slid from Danill’s face. “No, Mr. Kavanaugh, I believeyouwill be the one to sit down.”
“Excuse me?”
“You might’ve called this meeting, but I’m going to lead it.”
“You’re overstepping, Korolova,” Callum choked out.
“And I have every fucking right to it for my daughter and my alliance being betrayed!”
