Page 109 of Dance of Defiance
Vaughnmight actually be a sociopath.
Like, literally.
He’s not a violent rampaging monster, but that’s the point. He’s quietly, brilliantly calculating. He knowsexactlywhat to say, how to act, how to appear more forceful or more subservient depending on the situation. He can feed an ego or cross someone off his hit list without blinking an eye, and I don’t think he loses a wink of sleep over either.
Short answer?
I think Vaughn isperfectlycapable of trying to bomb Pavel Nikitin.
“God, I’m sorry.” Evie’s face scrunches up. “That was super rude of me?—”
“It’s really not.”
“No, I mean I just came in and started accusing your brother?—”
“Hey.” I take her hand in mine and smile. “It’s totally fine. I’m not offended. Let me talk to him, okay?”
She nods slowly. “Okay,” she says quietly. Then her brows pinch again. “But… Do you really think he’s capable of something like that?”
“Who's capable ofwhat, Ms. Nikitin?”
Evelina starts, her spine snapping straight as my gaze darts past her.
Vaughn stands in the doorway. Evie’s throat works as she slowly turns to him.
“I—” The single syllable lodges in her throat as my brother levels a cool, icy, and—yeah, I’ll be honest—slightly unhinged look at her.
“I’m waiting, Evelina,” he says quietly.
“Girl talk,” I grunt. “Evie’s having a fling with this hot fucking guy, and she’s got questions.”
Evie frowns, looking at me in confusion. “I’m not seeing any?—”
“Realhot motherfucker,” I enunciate loudly. “Huuuugedick.”
Evelina turns as pink as her cardigan as her gaze shifts between me and my brother.
Vaughn looks utterly unruffled. “I see.” He turns to Evie. “Ms. Nikitin, I was hoping to have a word in private with my brother.”
I glare at him. “You can wait your fucking turn until?—”
“No, I…” Evie smiles weakly, still blushing. “I should be going anyway. Rehearsal,” she explains with a shrug. She smiles at me. “If you needanything?—”
“You’ll be the first one I call, promise,” I wink. “Hey, have fun with your hot lover’s huge fucking dong.”
She literally turns crimson, her eyes bulging at me before she sucks in a breath and turns to leave. She smiles weakly at Vaughn and dips her head to him as she starts to walk past.
“Ms. Nikitin.”
Her steps stutter and she comes to a shivering stop by the door.
“I was sorry to hear about your father,” he growls quietly. “I hope he’s doing well after the…unfortunate incident?”
Evelina’s shoulders stiffen, her hands clenching at her sides. She hesitantly starts to turn, her face pale as she glances at me, then at Vaughn.
“Thank you,” she croaks. “He’s?—”
“Fine. Just fine,” I growl tightly, looking directly at Vaughn. “Evie has to go now, but thank so much for your concern,brother.”
