Page 51 of Merciless Union
He leans forward eagerly. “Yes?”
“I’m not one of his weaknesses. He doesn’t care about me at all. I’m just a trophy to him.”
“Ah, but a man prizes his trophies, does he not? So, he does have at least one weakness.”
“I never said that.”
“You implied it. You said you were not ‘one’ of his weaknesses, implying he has at least one. So tell me what it is.” He smirks. “Or who it is?”
Kira’s face flashes into my mind. By how she’s spoken of her brother, it’s clear Maxim loves her deeply and she him. I will never let sweet, shy Kira get hurt by this man.
“What weaknesses does any man have?” I finally say.
“His family?”
I keep my face composed. “I don’t know. We’re not close.”
He pouts. It’s not a good look on him. “That’s a shame.” He tilts his head to the side.
“So, he’s not close to his brother?”
I shrug.
“His mother?”
I shake my head.
“His sister?”
“Which one?” I snap back.
I realize instantly I made a mistake. His pout turns into a smirk. “Fair enough. You’re really not going to tell me, are you?”
“Why would I?”
“So, you have loyalty to your husband, is that it?”
“He’s my husband. Of course.” Even though I don’t love Maxim, I’m not going to hurt him and his family. It would only hurt me in the process. Plus, I’m not one to hurt others.
“Mmm. Good to know.” He sits back in the couch, looking way too relaxed for the situation at hand.
The front door opens, and Maxim barges in, dropping something to the ground, only coming to a halt when he sees Stepan. He has his gun out within seconds, aiming at Stepan’s head.
I never knew the sight of my husband could bring me relief, but it does now.
“What the fuck is going on?” He approaches Stepan, gun aimed at his head. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Ah, ah.” Stepan holds up a finger. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”
“And why the fuck not?” Maxim growls.
Stepan points his gun at me. I stiffen. Maxim flits his eyes between me and Stepan, his body tensing even more.
“Don’t mess with me, boy,” Stepan says. “I’ll kill her right now if you try to shoot me. But if you let me walk away, no one has to get hurt.”
So this was his plan all along. He must have known Maxim would show up eventually. He just wanted to show Maxim he could come into his home and threaten his wife. Stepan isn’t stupid. He’s calculating. It’s honestly terrifying.
I can see Maxim’s jaw clench. “What are you doing here?”
