Page 123 of Righteous Enforcer
"If you cooperate, Eva, things can be much more comfortable." His voice softens to an almost seductive tone. "You can leave this room, have a proper suite. Clean clothes, a hot bath. We could even discuss things over dinner rather than… other methods."
I know what "other methods" means in his world. I see my chance, however slim, and take it.
"Fine."
Victory shines in his eyes. "Excellent choice." He rises from the chair. “Come, I’ll show you to another room. However, don’t think my lenience gives you the opportunity to escape. If you try, I will kill you.”
The room he offers me is lighter in color and atmosphere. It is something he might offer a guest. But I have no illusions about my stay. I’m a prisoner.
I shower off the sweat and grime from my kidnapping and dress in the slacks and blouse he’s left behind. Despite his warning, I search for escape routes or weapons, but Ivan knows what he’s doing.
Resolved that I’m trapped, I’m escorted to the opulent dining room, dripping with old-world luxury built with blood money. Crystal chandeliers, a long dining table likely made from expensive wood.
Ivan sits at the head, leaving me to his right, a position of honor, but I know it’s all an act.
"You look refreshed," Ivan says, lifting his wine glass in appreciation.
I don't touch my wine. "Let's skip the pretense of hospitality, Ivan. We both know I'm not your guest."
He cuts into his steak as he snickers. "Such hostility, Eva. My family offered you a life. Sanctuary.”
“Offered? I was forced and then you killed my father.”
"The Dantes are the ones who destroyed your life,” he counters, pointing his knife at me. “I'm simply picking up where circumstances left off. Restoring you to your proper place. Your father is dead because of the Dantes."
"The Dantes didn't kill my father," I snap at the gall of this man.
Ivan's smile turns cold. "No, that would be you, Eva."
I gape at him.
"They made you run, did they not? Maksim gave your father every chance to produce you, to explain where you'd gone." He takes a leisurely sip of wine. “Funny how you joined us to help him, but in the end, he gave his life protecting you… not from us, but from Lorenzo.”
“You either have a terrible memory or excel at twisting the truth.”
He gives a smile and a shrug. "I have to hand it to you. The death you staged was quite convincing. The car, the fire, the dental records you somehow falsified. Professional work."
But it all failed. Somehow, after nearly four years living quietly in Boston, Ivan had found me. Why did he even bother looking?
"But Maksim never bought your death," Ivan says. "My brother was obsessed with finding you. I thought he was crazy, wasting resources on a dead girl. Especially when he was betrothed to Valentina Dante.”
What? That can’t be right.
“She was his ticket to ruining the Dante family for good.” Ivan wipes his mouth with his napkin. "Turns out he was right all along. You were alive and well.”
“I don’t know why he cared, or why you do, for that matter. After all this time, I have nothing to offer.”
He arches a brow. “You have a penance to pay.”
A chill slides down my spine. "What do you want from me, Ivan?”
“I think it’s time you returned home. Time to finally choose a side and help us end this conflict.”
I meet his gaze, steeling myself. “You don’t need me to end your conflict.”
“Need? Maybe not. But I like taking what Adriano believes is his.” His face contorts into confusion. “I have to admit, I’m surprised he hasn’t killed you himself. After all, you were spying for us. The only thing that makes sense is that he doesn’t know. Poor sap.”
I can only glare at him.
