Page 80 of Tied to Hope
Vlad’s face grew bright red as he struggled unsuccessfully to escape his brother’s deadly grasp. When his eyes began to bulge, he finally nodded.
The instant Rytsar let go, Vlad grabbed at his throat, coughing violently. Once he could breathe again, he glanced at Brie and croaked out an apology.
Brie inclined her head in acknowledgment, refusing to talk to the man.
“You will treat Mrs. Davis with the same respect you showed our mother.”
Vlad’s gaze darted to Brie and then back to Rytsar. He opened his mouth but then quickly shut it again, choosing to say nothing.
“Why do you think Sasha contacted me, Vlad?” Rytsar asked, his voice dripping with contempt.
“Blackmail.”
Rytsar’s eyes narrowed.
Vlad chuckled with spite. “But, why would she try to blackmail me now?” His left eye twitched. “Why would she be that cruel?”
“Cruel?” Rytsar prodded, wanting to hear more.
Vlad shifted on his feet, giving Sir and Brie a distrustful glance. “Sasha knew how I felt and what I was willing to give up for her. What a heartless bitch.”
Rytsar folded his arms and demanded, “Why did it end between you?”
“I told you. She’s a heartless cunt.”
“Are you saying she broke it off, not you?”
Vlad frowned. “Why? What did she tell you?”
When Rytsar didn’t immediately respond, he took a step closer, getting in Rytsar’s face.“What did she tell you?”
Rytsar was not straightforward in his answer. “She wanted to reconnect with me.”
Vlad swallowed hard, stepping back. “With you? But, why?”
Rytsar said nothing.
Vlad gave Rytsar a thumbs up. Brie knew the gesture meant “asshole”.
“You want to gloat, Anton? Is that what this is about?” Turning away from him, Vlad stormed out.
“Do not leave!” Rytsar commanded.
Vlad turned around. Brie could see the veins in his neck pulsing with rage. “There is nothing you can say to keep me here, Anton.”
“Sasha has a child.”
Vlad’s jaw fell and he stood frozen in place. “How old?”
“Two.”
Vlad’s lips formed a thin line as he digested the news.
“Yours?” he finally asked.
Rytsar shook his head.
Vlad stared at him, licking his lips nervously.
