Page 30 of Toxic Temptation
But Ihor doesn’t look scared. If anything, he looks satisfied. “There it is,” he whispers. “There’s the emotion that’s going to get you killed. Just like it killed your brother.”
I squeeze harder, watching his face turn red. It would be so easy. One quick twist and all my problems disappear.
Except they don’t. Because Yana would still be out there. And Luka would still be beyond my reach.
I let him go, stepping back as he gasps and coughs.
“The organ trade stays dead,” I tell him. “End of discussion.”
“Fine.” He straightens his tie, his composure returning with frightening speed. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the consequences.”
“What consequences?”
His smile returns, cold and calculating. “The Keres don’t like being told no. And they have long memories.”
“Let me worry about the Keres.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about you or them.” He stands, smoothing down his jacket. “I’m worried about the people you care about. Your nephew, for instance.”
“Luka is protected.”
“Is he?” Ihor tilts his head. “Because from where I’m sitting, the boy seems awfully exposed.”
The threat is subtle but unmistakable.
“You’re walking a dangerous line, Ihor.”
He simply shrugs. “Seems to me like I’m just being a concerned stepfather. A man who wants what’s best for his family.” He moves toward the door, then pauses. “You know, Yana’s been talking about getting away from the city. Maybe somewhere quieter. Safer.”
“Luka’s life is here.”
“Luka’s life is wherever I say it is.” The mask slips for just a moment, revealing the venom underneath. “I’m his father now, Kovan. His legal guardian. And if I decide that San Francisco isn’t good for him… Well.”
He doesn’t need to finish the sentence. The message is crystal clear.
Cooperate, or lose the boy forever.
“We’re done here,” I growl.
“Yes,” he agrees, his hand on the doorknob. “I think we are.”
The door closes behind him with a soft click, leaving me alone with the echoes of his threats. If I were any other man, I’d betrembling with rage. But I learned a long time ago to keep it buried out of sight.
Still, that doesn’t mean I’m at ease. Ihor’s got me cornered and he knows it. Every move I make, he counters with Luka’s safety. Every decision I try to make independently, he threatens to take the boy away.
I’m thepakhanof one of the most powerful criminal organizations on the West Coast.
And I’m completely powerless against one bitter old man with a marriage certificate.
But that’s about to change. Because there’s one thing Ihor doesn’t know about me yet.
I don’t just make enemies.
I destroy them.
11
VESPER
