Page 78 of Blood & Snow
"He was just talking."
"He was disrespecting you. Which means he was disrespecting me."
She turns to look at me.
"And that's unacceptable."
"In my world, respect is the only currency. Take it away, and you have nothing."
"Is that what I am? Currency?"
The question catches me off guard.
I study her profile in the dim light from the passing streetlamps.
She's got a defiant expression but her eyes are searching.
She wants answers and I don’t know what to tell her.
"You're mine," I say finally.
"That makes you valuable beyond measure."
She doesn't respond, but I see her reflection smile in the window.
My phone buzzes with a text from one of my watchers and I pull it out to see who it is and what they want.
Stepan: 9:45PM: Yaroslav's moving. Three cars heading toward Arbat district. Target confirmed.
I lean forward and tap Igor's shoulder.
"Change of plans. Head toward Arbat."
"Sir?" Igor glances in the rearview mirror.
I show him the text.
His expression sharpens, and he takes the next right turn.
Hauling Nadya along on this wasn't my plan, exactly, but when a target finally emerges from hiding you strike fast, like a game of whack a mole.
If not you lose your chance.
"What's happening?" Nadya asks.
"Work."
I type a quick response to Stepan, telling him to maintain distance and keep me updated.
"One of the Brotherhood leaders is on the move. We've been waiting for this opportunity."
"You're going after him? Now?"
"Opportunities don't wait for convenient timing."
She falls quiet as Igor navigates through the snowy streets.
My phone continues buzzing with updates.
