Page 101 of Assassin: Part 1

“You’re paying for that.”

I ignore him, stalking over to the painting. “Trying to recoup those millions one dollar at a time? If I knew you were so desperate for money, I’d have…”

I sense him, whirling fast, knife up, but manage not to stab Ilya, who stands there grinning. A smug grin. The kind a man wears when he’s about to do something he’ll be very proud of himself for.

“Pet, it’s very dangerous to sneak up on an assassin like that,” I scold, putting the knife back in its sheath.

“I figured you would know it was me and I’d be safe enough.”

“Mm-hmm.” I turn my gaze to Mishka, who stares at us dispassionately. Except for the little tic in his jaw and twitch at the corner of his mouth. Oh, someone is far too pleased with himself. And he’s planned whatever this is going to be.

“It seems, lisichka, that you haven’t quite figured out how this relationship thing works. You don’t fuck me and walk out, disappearing to parts unknown.” His tone is almost scolding and raises my hackles immediately.

I narrow my eyes at him. “Oh, and you were going to just let me go without so much as a protest?” He doesn’t answer. “Mm-hmm, I didn’t think so. And it’s not disappearing if I leave you a damn note. Besides, you probably needed time to process everything and get things set right. Though we do need to talk about Mila’s school. The option you’ve chosen for her new one is unacceptable. I’ve already found a better, more secure one.”

“Have you?”

I scowl. “I did not just do all this shit for you to send her right back into danger, pet. I’ve already gotten her enrolled in the fall. I recently have a little extra money to spare since I’m not paying for any major renovations.”

“You’re a pain in the fucking ass,” Mishka gripes.

“You’re definitely going to have one when I’m finished with you,” I say. “The only reason he knows I’m here would be because of you, am I correct?”

He gives me a sharp, toothy smile. My warning signals start to blare. What is he up to? He’s never fucking smiled at me like that. Unless he’s planning something I’m not going to fucking like.

“Consider this payback for stealing my money.”

“Really, this again? Ten million and you’re crying to another Pakhan?”

Mishka’s grin never lessens. “Did you really think I wouldn’t talk to him before I got back? I told you, I was going to let him take some of the territory. And getting your ass out of my hair while I figure this shit out, I’m calling it a win.”

Ilya cocks his head. “Ignore him, pet. He’s cranky from lack of sleep. And while I’d love to come back, I have shit to see to first. Then, we’ll figure our shit out.”

He continues to watch me. Those warnings are blaring in my head. What is he up to?

“I thought you already figured your shit out.”

“I figured one-half of the shit out. I’m still working on the other half. These things take time, pet. I’m not a miracle worker.”

Men really do expect women to do everything quickly, don’t they?

“Hmmm. Well, I think it’s time for you to put that shit aside for a little bit. We have some things ourselves to figure out.”

Yeah, no, I’m not liking this at all, but I’m almost curious to see what he’s up to.

I clock the slight movement of his hand into his pocket. Understanding dawns. He doesn’t expect me to go willingly. A part of me is annoyed he’s about to do it, but the crazier part of me is thrilled.

This is more like it. A heated thrill slices to my core. I missed our little games.

I look at Mishka and grin, and he loses his smile instantly.

“Ilya…”

He’s too late. Ilya stabs the syringe into the side of my neck, depressing it quickly. The burn is familiar, and a giddy laugh bubbles up.

“Oh, pet, I’m so proud of you.” The drug is slower than mine, not as good, and probably too weak a dose, but I’m not going to ruin his fun. I’ll be awake in a couple of hours.

Ilya scoops me over his shoulder, and I lift my head weakly, fighting the sedative as I look at Mishka. “We’ll talk business later, Belov,” Ilya says, heading for the door. “But tell your men that I’ve got this one handled.”