“I… I…”
“There’s no need to speak,” I say. “I just have one question. What is your vision for the Ivanovs?”
“My… my… vision?”
“That’s right,” I say. “Your uncle just gave me a list of things he had in mind. Are you planning on seeing them through?”
Yaromir blinks twice. I wonder how long it’s going to take him to recover. My patience is already stretched then.
“I’d speak soon, if I were you,” Lev adds just before he leaves the room.
Yaromir swallows his fear and shakes his head. “I… I will continue the Ivanovs’ alliance with… with you.”
I smile and offer him my hand. “Welcome to the extended family, Yaromir. I’m sure you’ll fit in well. Your men will be waiting for you outside.”
“My… my men?”
“I suggest you compose yourself first,” I tell him. “And get your story straight. The men won’t follow a weakling.”
With those words, I hit him on the back and direct him towards the door.
Yulian stares after him until he disappears from sight. “Did you really just do that?”
“It would certainly seem so.”
“Papa’s oldest friend, Anton…”
“And now, they’re reunited once again,” I snarl. He keeps his eyes on me, but I’m not in the mood to justify my intentions today. “Leave me.”
He turns, his lips pressed tightly together, and exits. I walk over to the bar immediately.
I find Jessa crouched down low, trying to make herself as small as possible.
“Stand up,” I tell her.
She struggles to her feet, her eyes wide with terror. “You knew I was back here?”
“The whole time.”
“And… and you shot him anyway?”
“I don’t tolerate betrayal, Jessa. It’s good for you to know that, too.”
Her color is draining fast. I take a step towards her, but she backs away. “He… he was your father-in-law…”
“He had it coming.”
“Did she have it coming, too?” Jessa snaps. “Is that how you justified killing her?”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know that you’re a cold blooded killer who removes anyone who gets in your way. Just like you did with the man on the boat and with your father-in-law. Why not your wife, too?”
“I wouldn’t deny killing her if I’d done it.”
Her eyes are rife with fear and disappointment. She’s created a different narrative in her head. Probably some fairytale version of me that’s so far removed from reality that all it can give her now is heartbreak.
“You need to sit down.”
“Don’t touch me!” she snaps.
Her voice is strong, but it must have taken all of her energy to stand up to me. Because a second later, she starts to shake. She tries to grab the edge of the bar, but she loses her grip. I catch her before she hits the floor.
“Jessa!”
She stirs. Her breathing is strong, but clearly, she’s seen too much. Her body is shutting down to protect her mind. I lift her into my arms and carry her back to my room.
The whole time, her fingers stay curled around the front of my shirt.