Page 100 of The Payback

“If you look hard enough and crack through enough files, you can uncover any truth. The autopsy files were scrubbed from the hard drive in the morgue, but it has a cloud sync I accessed from the doctor’s phone before I wiped that away, too. You’re welcome.”

Clearing my throat, I shake my head. “No, I don’t know who killed him. But I’d like to find out before Eleanor’s assignment here ends. I don’t think that will be possible after it all comes tumbling down.”

“Of course not. Natasha would love nothing more than to bury the person responsible for shutting down an entire chapter of her organisation.”

I roll my eyes. “Of course you know Natasha.”

She chuckles. “We’ve met. But I side with Ellie here. If she’s there because you’re turning, there’s hope for you yet. But hear me, and hear me well, Aslanov. If you harm one hair on her head or Bella’s, should you ever be deemed worthy enough to be in her presence, I will yank your toenails from your body and shove them into your eyes, jagged side first.”

“That’s... visual,” Eleanor says.

“But true,” the man says again.

She’s still unsure if I can be trusted, and I don’t blame her. I’d probably feel the same way if I were in her shoes.

All the while, Bella has been staring at the two of us, and even though we’re discussing the murder of my father and ripping pieces from my body and shoving them into other parts of my body, I can’t help but stare at her angelic little face.

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your time together. I just wanted to check on Eleanor,” I say sincerely. “But I’m glad to have met Bella.”

I want to be a part of her life, even if she’s not mine, and step one is proving myself to Eleanor and the man I hope to be one day. I want to be someone worthy of this angel’s time and upbringing.

Seeing a combination of Eleanor and Nik on Bella’s little face, a strange feeling settles over me. It’s one of jealousy mixed with happiness.

Nik and Eleanor have a history, and I know they share a bond I’ll never have with her. But seeing Bella just makes me long for different circumstances.

Having a vasectomy at twenty was a decision I didn’t take lightly. And back then, alone with my father and fulfilling my duties as the heir apparent with no means out of the organisation, I promised myself I would never allow my child into this world and this life.

I turn away from Eleanor, lost in thought. Maybe one day, when we’re out of this, and it’s safe, I can meet her in person. Maybe then, we can talk about the future in terms greater than hours and days.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN

Eleanor

Ana,Valentina, Maria, and I step onto the lift with our respective bodyguards, making for a tight squeeze. Nik doesnotlook amused at the night’s turn of events. Still, when Oksana finished going over the details for the gala, she sent us “younglings” off again, and Ana quickly suggested karaoke at one of the Bratva’s legitimate holdings. The others were quick to agree, and I was definitely on board.

In the three weeks since we discussed Bella, removing the secret hovering between the three of us, home life has been good. It’s all work and sex, business and hedonism, but sometimes you just need a night out with the girls... and our bodyguards.

The doors slide shut, and we ride up to the twelfth floor. As soon as the doors slide open again, we’re met with a hostess, black velvet curtains, and horrific singing.

“Welcome to Groove.” The hostess surveys our party and straightens immediately. “Would you like the family table?”

Ana chuckles. “Maybe later. Is there space at the bar?”

“That’s where I was planning to be, anyway.” Valentina shrugs.

The hostess looks down at her podium, and a glow from the monitors is reflected on her face. “Certainly. Right this way.”

She leads us through the black curtains into a cavernous space with tables and enthusiastic patrons. There’s a massive horseshoe-shaped bar in the centre and open barstools on the left side.

Someone is up on the stage, poorly singing Chumbawamba, and I think of Olivia. She would love this place. Likelovelove. Note to self: Never bring her. My ears would not survive it.

Ana takes a stool in the middle, and I opt for the one farthest from the stage. No way in hell is that happening. I’m happy to listen and sing with a drink in my hand while quietly passing judgement.

There aren’t spaces for the bodyguards to sit at the bar, but they hover behind us until we get settled, then Nik and Maxim sit at a table behind us while the other two fan out.

“Good evening, ladies. What can I get for you?” an attractive bartender says from the other side.

He winks at Maria, and she giggles, not bothering to cover her blush or pretend she’s not about to flirt right back with him.

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