Page 79 of Tied to Hope
Brie stared openly at him, unable to get over how much Vlad looked like Rytsar. It was like looking at an older version of Rytsar, except that Vlad had a head of hair and he didnothave kind eyes.
Rytsar jumped right in. “I know you cheated on your wife with Sasha.”
His brother’s eyes widened, but he quickly hid his surprise with a dark scowl. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“There is no point in denying it. I have evidence,” Rytsar snarled.
Vlad’s heated gaze returned to Sir and he growled at Rytsar, “I don’t appreciate having an audience.”
Rytsar sneered. “You should have thought of that before you fucked her.”
Pointing at Sir, Vlad demanded, “Is he the one feeding you these lies?”
“My brother does not lie.”
Vlad’s nostrils flared. “Ihatethat you call him that.”
Rytsar smiled. “Would you like to know who told me?”
“Yes!”
“Sasha.”
Vlad’s jaw dropped. “Why the hell would she tell you?”
Rytsar snorted, glaring angrily. “Why do you think?”
Vlad frowned. “It’s irrelevant. That was years ago.”
“Two, to be exact,” he answered, studying his brother’s face.
Vlad’s frown deepened. “Why would she go to you now? It makes no sense.”
Brie glanced at Sir and noticed he was quietly observing Vlad during their exchange. She suspected he was assessing Vlad’s tone of voice, body language, and facial expression.
But Brie’s full attention was on Rytsar. She didn’t want to see him hurt and would do anything to protect him.
The silence in the room stretched on as Rytsar and Vlad stared each other down.
“It was a short affair. Doesn’t even count,” Vlad finally grumbled dismissively.
Rytsar took in a slow, deep breath, and glanced at Sir. “I’m struggling not to hit him, comrade.”
Sir nodded in understanding.
Rytsar refocused his attention on Vlad. “When was the last time you spoke with Sasha?”
“We haven’t spoken since…” He closed his eyes, muttering under his breath, “It ended badly.”
Rytsar narrowed his eyes. “Why? What did you do to her?”
Vlad opened his eyes and took a threatening step toward Sir. “This is not for a foreigner’s ears, much less awoman’s.” His tone was dismissive as he stared directly at Brie.
“This woman is worth a thousand of you!” Rytsar shouted.
Vlad huffed, spitting on the floor next to Brie.
In the blink of an eye, Rytsar had his hand wrapped around his brother’s throat. “You will apologize to her this instant or I will make your wife a widow.”
