What kind of war is raging under the surface right now?
“I’m going to meet with Cardona to secure Willow’s release.”
I lean forward. “That’s a stupid idea.”
Something flashes in his eyes. Indignation? Disappointment? Is he getting territorial again about making decisions?
I don’t know. And I don’t care.
“He’s not going to agree to anything other than total capitulation, Pavel. He’ll see through this trick.”
“It won’t be a trick,” he argues. “It’ll be a deal.”
“You make a trade for a deal.” Karina shakes her head. “What do you have to trade?”
Pavel’s eyes harden. “I thought you didn’t want to be involved in the family business?”
“Excuse me?” She blinks with shock. “I’m just trying to help, Pasha.”
His expression doesn’t change, but he looks away, frosted green eyes searching for an answer somewhere in the room.
It doesn’t exist.
Just like we don’t exist anymore.
Karina looks hurt as I lean forward. “I think you’re right. We have nothing to trade.”
Pavel’s expression sobers, and he turns to us. “I need to meet with him. Getting any information would be better than nothing.”
“And what makes you think he won’t just shoot you on the spot?” I snap.
If looks could kill, he would slice me to pieces with the stare he gives me.
Karina glances between us again with her brows knit tightly together. She stands up, collects her teacup, and wanders toward the kitchen. As she walks past me, she asks, “Would you mind helping me make something to eat? I’m still shaken up.”
“Of course.” I set my cup down. “We should have some sandwich stuff left.”
My shoulders feel less heavy when we step into the kitchen. Karina gives me a polite smile and then shuts the door. When I reach for the fridge door, she stops me.
“I’m not hungry,” she says. “I just want to talk.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “About what?”
“There’s something…” Her eyes drop to my folded arms and then rise to meet my gaze. “Weird going on between you and my brother.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“You’ve hardly looked at each other since you got back.”
I turn to the counter and start sifting through the fruit. It’s not that interesting. I just don’t want to look at Karina. “We’re tired.”
“You didn’t sit next to him either.”
“You were sitting next to him.”
She sighs. “You could have ordered me to move.”
“Why would I do that?” I turn to face her while extending an apple to her. “You’re his sister. You’re family. You were attacked.”