Page 106 of Silent Heart

The roof and walls of my mouth turned to sand. I took a shuddering gulp of air and said, “Great, so I’ve told you a half-truth and you’ve threatened my family. Where does that leave us, Mr….?”

“Call me Smith.”

How unoriginal. “Alright, Mr. Smith, where does that leave us?” I repeated.

“I just want Kolya. He’s been a thorn in our side for far too long.”

This was the moment of heroes. I didn’t have to be from Kolya’s world to understand how situations like this worked. My cooperation for the lives of my loved ones.

The thing these thugs didn’t know was that I was made of sterner stuff.

“How am I going to help you get Kolya?” I mused, humoring their position. I should be cowering, laying it on thick to make them think I was at their mercy and scared for the lives of my family. But it was hard to loosen my frame. Even harder to force a shake in my voice.

I had vital seconds to play into their hand so they wouldn’t suspect I would betray them.

“Here’s my number. You’re a smart girl, you’ll easily be able to separate him from his family. Make him believe you’re on a date.” It would have been easier if the man slid his gaze up or down my body. Instead, he soundedbored.As if he didn’t care what I did. That my noncompliance would be a mere inconvenience to him. “Contact me and we’ll resolve our business.”

He’ll hurt him.Ice shot through me. I didn’t know how, but I wouldn’t let him.

“Do you understand?” The question was supposed to be a demand, make me quake in my boots. But since the man’s voice still lacked emotion, it was even scarier than if he’d yelled and threatened.

I forced my muscles to move and nodded. “We’ll be in touch.”

“So easy. What a smart woman you are, Miss Kellnhofer.” The man rose, smoothed his suit, and gestured for the others to move. “Do know that if you try to warn Mr. Vlasov, I will know, and it will be your grandparents’ funerals you’ll be planning this Thanksgiving break.”

The moment I was alone, I collapsed into a chair and began to shake. This was exactly what Kolya tried to tell me. His world wasn’t nice.

“Well, I’m a cowgirl, and no one messes with my man,” I growled. But I wrapped my arms protectively around my shoulders, rubbing at the cold and wishing I felt braver than my words.

Chapter 43 – Kolya

Why isn’t she excited?I shot another side glance at the woman in a long green dress at my side. I must have misread her text messages, because they seemed eager, excited—flirty even. But maybe that was a subtext that I read into the words.

I pulled back a chair, waiting for Harley to take a seat. She stood, staring at the panoramic view of Lake Michigan, spread out below like our own personal painting.

“Kolya, this is stunning,” she breathed, a smile finally lighting her face. Two quick steps, and she moved into my side. Her touch brushed over my arm, and she bounced on tiptoe to plant a kiss on my cheek.

My voice sounded breathy to my own ears. “I’m so glad you like it.”

“I do.” That dazzling smile only grew wider.

After settling her in, I couldn’t resist the urge to drop a kiss on her fingertips. The waiter hovered until I instructed him to bring a bottle of something red. But as he left, Harley gave me a funny look.

“Would you rather have a beer?” I offered, heart jumping in regret.Shit.I was already screwing this up. I shifted in my seat, turning to flag down the waiter.

“It’s fine.” Harley reached across the table to catch my fingers in hers. “I’m sure the wine here is better than the crap my cousins drink. I’m open to this new world, Kolya. I’m willing to try new things.”

Those words made my shoulders relax a fraction.

But as I watched her, I could have sworn there was something in her eyes. Sorrow? Regret?Worry?I tapped my fingers against the linen tablecloth.

“I’ll talk, but I don’t know how to begin,” I confessed, letting my guard down with the hope that she was able to meet me halfway.

Harley sighed. “I don’t either. I’ve had so much time to think, and yet here I am, quiet.”

The waiter came back, presented the bottle, and when I waved him on, he uncorked it, poured, and offered me a taste.

“I’m sure it’s great,” I clipped.

---