Page 79 of Sadistic

I choose the restaurant carefully—intimate but not oppressively so, public enough that she feels safe but private enough for real conversation.

The owner owes me several favors, ensuring we won't be disturbed.

At exactly six, I knock on her apartment door.

Dalla answers, hostility radiating from every pore. "She's almost ready," she says, not moving aside.

"May I come in?"

"No."

"Dalla," Revna calls from inside. "Let him in."

Her sister steps aside reluctantly.

I enter the small apartment, taking in the lived-in feel—law textbooks scattered on the coffee table, empty wine glasses, photos of the sisters through the years covering one wall.

One catches my eye—them at maybe fourteen or fifteen, arms around each other, identical grins.

Before their lives got complicated.

"Nice place," I offer.

"No it's not," Dalla says flatly. "It's a shithole. But it's our shithole."

"Dalla!" Revna emerges from what must be her bedroom, and my breath catches.

She's wearing red as requested—a simple dress that hugs her curves, paired with heels that put her closer to my height.

Her hair is down, soft waves framing her face.

"Too much?" she asks, noticing my stare.

"Perfect."

Dalla makes a gagging sound. Revna shoots her a look.

"I'll be back later," Revna tells her sister.

"Be careful," Dalla says, but she's looking at me when she says it.

A warning.

"Actually," I say, making a decision. "Dalla, there's something being delivered for you tomorrow morning. Around nine."

"What?" Both sisters speak in unison.

"A car. Same model as Revna's. I had them rush the order." I meet Dalla's suspicious gaze. "The streets aren't safe right now. I protect what's mine, and you're Revna's."

Dalla's mouth opens and closes like a fish. Revna's eyes are suspiciously bright.

"I... what?" Dalla manages.

"Black Audi RS Q8. Bulletproof glass, reinforced frame, GPS tracking for emergencies only." I pull out a card. "This is the dealer. They'll handle all the paperwork."

"I can't accept?—"

"Yes, you can," Revna interrupts, voice thick. "Dalla, please."

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