Page 45 of Royal Beast
My eyes narrow. “They’re starting to get too bold. We’re not just playing cat and mouse here anymore.”
“Exactly. We’re running out of time to get this under control,” Rory says. “We need to handle this head-on before they push any further. Anatoly’s behind this, no doubt about it.”
I let out a sharp exhale. “Then we need to arrange a meeting with Volkov himself. See if we can get to the bottom of this and shut down whatever he’s planning before it snowballs.”
Rory’s silent for a beat before he speaks again. “It’s a risk. He won’t give up much without some kind of deal.”
“I know,” I say, running a hand over my face. “But at least if we’re face to face, we can get a better read on him. Find out how deep he plans on dragging this.”
“Alright. I’ll put some feelers out, see if he’s open to it. But keep your guard up in the meantime—this kind of power play won’t stop with a little talking.”
“Understood. I’ll check in after lunch.”
Hanging up, I lean back in my seat, watching the city blur past me. Stakes are rising and I can feel the grip of the Russians closing in. It’s going to take all we’ve got to keep things from escalating to the point of no return.
A stab of worry hits me, a cold knot twisting in my gut. It isn’t just business on the line this time. With Darcy and Rose, I’ve got a target now, something that the Russians can go after. The idea of something happening to either of them makes me sick, and an unfamiliar sense of anger simmers beneath my skin.
Am I making a mistake in letting myself get closer to Darcy? Our relationship blossoming only drags her deeper into my world. I’m not sure she should be tethered to someone like me, to this life. And Rose doesn’t deserve to grow up under the cloud of danger that could come crashing down at any moment.
I rake a hand over my face, fighting the urge to put distance between us, if only to keep them out of harm’s way. But a surgeof possessiveness overtakes me and I grimace at the thought of letting her go, leaving her vulnerable. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to them.
I glance down at my phone. Darcy's name flashes on the screen, a text from her.
You okay? You’ve been off the radar for a few days. Everything alright?
My thumb hovers over the screen for a moment, the guilt creeping in. I type back quickly,
All good. Just busy.
I’m about to slip my phone back into my jacket, but another message pops up.
Tonight’s still on, right?
My chest tightens. Our planned date night. The one I promised. Darcy’s hopeful face flashes in my mind, but I set my jaw, pushing the guilt down deep.
Can’t make any promises.
I flick my phone to Do Not Disturb and take a sip of my whiskey just as my lunch guests arrive.
Hours later, I walk into the exclusive back room of an upscale bar, greeted by Senator Burns. He gives me a sly grin and extends a hand. “Kellan. Good to see you.”
I shake his hand, nodding slightly. “Senator Burns. Let’s cut to the chase. What are we looking at with these Russians, and how can you give us some breathing room?”
He leans in, lowering his voice. “We’ll make it work. I’ll make sure legislation shifts in our favor for the casino permits as long as you keep up your end.”
I nod, my mind spinning with all the problems stacking up. We go over the details, smooth out the strategy, and by the time I’m back in my car, I realize I’m hours late for my date with Darcy.
When I step inside the house, Darcy’s waiting, arms crossed, a look of disappointment and frustration in her eyes.
“You said you’d be here,” she says, her voice steady but low.
“I know,” I reply, trying to keep my tone even. “But you know how it’s been lately. Things are crazy right now.”
“No, Kellan, you haven’t been telling meanything,” she explodes. Her arms fold tighter across her chest. “You can’t expect me to treat this like a relationship if you’re only going to be half-in! I’m not just going to sit around waiting for you all the time. You have to be honest with me and make time for me or we can’t keep doing this.”
I take a deep breath, fighting the internal battle. The urge to protect her, to reassure her that everything will be fine is there, but I bury it deep. “That’s the reality of what this is,” I say, my tone cool, masking the ache in my chest. “You wanted security. I needed… cooperation. You agreed to this, Darcy, but you know my loyalty will always be to my family, first and foremost. I’m not looking for a happily-ever-after love story with anyone right now. You’re convenient, nothing more.”
Her face falls, and for a moment, I think she’s going to walk away. Instead, she takes a breath, lifts her chin, and meets my gaze.
