Page 131 of Bratva's Intern

Like I hadn’t already mapped out the most efficient way to bury both their bodies in concrete. The faster I killed them, the fewer people they would have the chance to tell about Wren.

Fuck the crypto wallets. Wren’s safety would always be paramount.

I shrugged, casual. “An ass is an ass.”

Boris choked on his laugh, startled. Gennadi blinked, unsure if he’d heard right.

“Truth is, sex has been used to assert dominance for centuries,” I added, voice low and smooth, “If I had any interest, I might’ve bent one of you over years ago and made you my bitch. It can still happen.”

As if.

My dick would never stand up for those bastards.

The silence that followed was thick, electric. A flicker of insult flared in Gennadi’s eyes, but then he barked a short, humorless laugh. Boris only shook his head slowly, like he’d just remembered who the hell he was talking to.

That’s right.

Remember. I’m the one who can make you a bitch.

Because behind the tailored suits and debonair, I was still the man who’d gutted a traitor—their father—and left the body at Arkady’s door like a gift. Still the ruthless boy who survived a fire in Moscow by lighting the first match himself.

I turned to face the elevator as the numbers counted down. Dezi remained silent throughout the interaction, but I knew his sharp eyes missed nothing.

“Speak of my personal life again,” I murmured, “and I’ll make sure it’s the last time you do.”

The elevator doors opened with a softding.

Boris and Gennadi stepped out first, looking back at me with wary eyes. The air felt heavy as I followed them out. They descended the steps and got into the waiting SUV. Only after the vehicle had driven off, I let out the breath trapped in my lungs.

Someone moved in the shadows, materializing from the semidarkness. Viktor. The bodyguard I’d put in charge of Wren’s safety.

I rubbed a hand over my stubbled jaw. “Want to tell me why the fuck Wren is still here?” My voice came out low, flat, and all the more dangerous for it.

Viktor straightened like a soldier caught sleeping on duty. “I tried to talk him out of it, but?—”

“Youtried?” I advanced on him, heat rising within me, and grabbed him by the collar. “I gave youonejob. Keep him safe. He was supposed to be home. Instead, he’s here, walking through my fucking office like this is a goddamn romcom while Boris and Gennadiseehim.Stareat him.Noticehim. Is that your idea of keeping him safe?”

Viktor dropped his eyes. “I sent you a message to let you know what was happening.”

“I was in a meeting. I wasn’t checking my damn phone.”

“I tried my best, Mr. Morozov. He told Nik he was going home with you, so he didn’t need to pick him up. Then hedecided to walk from the salon back here. I was occupied figuring out how to explain my presence to him after he discovered me following him. I had to get him back here safely without him finding out why you’re so concerned about his protection.”

Fucking hell. Could it get any worse? Now Wren knew I had someone tailing him. How would I explain about my concern for his safety to him without freaking him out? Especially after running into those idiot brothers.

I exhaled slowly, then released him.

“You fucked up tonight, Viktor. If you want to redeem yourself, follow them. You’re going to make sure theynevermake it back to Arkady. Understood?”

Viktor nodded. He looked more relieved about this side of the job than looking after Wren. “Understood.” He disappeared without another word, and I gestured for Dezi to follow him to ensure the job gets done.

I turned away, straightened my cuffs, and forced my breathing to slow.

Wren was still in my office. Waiting.

Fuck.

How the hell was I going to fix this?

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