Page 40 of Cruel Kiss

I don't need him to. Because I'm not stupid, and the picture Navi is painting really isn't that complicated.

Ronan is turning off the key spigot of his business, because ofme.

Why would he do that? I've made it clear that we can't be together. And he's made it clear that, even if he disagrees, he won't push. So what purpose does this serve? Who wins here, besides Lev?

I need answers. And I'm not gonna get them by crouching on this staircase like a nosy little goblin.

So I stride into the kitchen.

Navi's mid-sip. He sees me first and blanches.

"Get out," I tell Navi. Not rudely. But not a request, either.

Navi looks at Ronan, who gives him a small nod. For once choosing not to leave with a parting quip, Navi sets his mug down and goes, brushing past me with a meaningful look and a pat on the shoulder. The vault door thuds shut behind him.

I fold my arms and look at Ronan. "How much are you losing?"

Ronan sets down his mug. He looks at me for a long moment, but says nothing.

"Well? Is this a staring contest, or a guessing game? I play those with my kids plenty, so I'm good on both fronts."

He chuckles, although I fail to see what's so funny about the situation. "Enough."

"That's not a number."

"No. It isn't. You're the math prodigy; you'd know best."

I plant both hands on the island. "Don't patronize me. I want a real answer. Sit right there and tell me exactly what you're doing and why."

"I can't explain it," he says.

"Oh, Jesus. Of course you can't. Why would you be able to explain it? Why would you bother filling me in onanything, ever, of any kind?God forbid I know something! God forbid?—"

"Calista, breathe. I didn't finish."

I pause for breath mid-rant. "… Oh?"

"I can't explain it," he says again, "so let me show you instead."

That stops me dead in my tracks. "Show me what?"

"Get dressed and you'll see."

"Where are we going?"

"Brooklyn."

"That's not an answer, either." But gosh darn it, he's piqued my curiosity. "Is it illegal, whatever you're showing me?"

"No."

"Is anyone going to die?"

"Not today."

"That's so reassuring."

He smiles. "This won't take long." He pauses at the doorway. "You don't have to come if you don't want to. But you asked for the truth, and this is the only way I know how to give it to you where you'll actually believe it."