Page 11 of Unholy Tsar

My gut tightens at how vulnerable she suddenly looks. Fuck, threatening her like this, even if it’s a lie, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

“Yes, I am running from someone. I c–can’t tell you who, though. Please don’t make me tell you.”

I nod for her to continue.

“I-I’ve been on the run for two years… and a few weeks ago, I thought I saw him in California, so when Bree mentioned she was coming to New York, I made her bring me. Then last week, the night we–we met, someone was chasing me. I couldn’t see his face, but I knew he was following me. Then you came out of the building and—”

“And you quickly followed me in for protection,” I complete for her, and she nods rapidly.

“I had no idea you were related to Bree, I swear. I really didn’t!” she insists.

Again, I believe her. “If you had no idea who I was, why did you sleep with me?”

She bites her bottom lip. “Repayment?”

Repayment? I scowl at her. “Explain.”

“You saved me. I was filled with immense gratitude and wanted to pay you back. But I have no money and—” she trails off, shrugging.

Her words hit me like a punch in the stomach. She had sex with me, not because she was attracted to me, but as a twisted form of gratitude? “Bullshit. Your cunt was soaking wet. You wanted it. You begged for it,” I remind her.

“So what? I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy it.”

“So, what you’re saying is that you’re not attracted to me?” I ask, taking another step toward her.

Her gaze drops to my shoulders. “Look, you’re old enough to be my father. I’d have to have some serious daddy issues to be attracted to you, and I never even had a father to start with.”

“Girls with no fathers are always the ones with the biggest daddy issues,” I point out.

“I bet you have plenty of experience with that.”

“Plenty,” I agree.

She scoffs, her pretty gaze finally settling on mine. “So? Are you going to teach me what daddy issues look like in a woman—Daddy?”

Her words send a shot of adrenaline through my veins, and my semi–erect cock turns rock hard. Fuck. “Watch your mouth, Myshka. If you call me that again, I’m going to turn your cheeks red.”

“Contrary to popular belief, not all redheads blush easily. Just because I have auburn hair doesn’t mean you can make me blush… not unless I want to.”

I smile at her naivety, “Not those cheeks, Myshka.” And fuck if her face doesn’t flush a glorious shade of red. The red splotches spread down her neck and into her top. So much for not blushing easily. My little liar.

“Look. I’ve answered your questions. Let me go. Bree will start to worry.”

As if Cecilia’s words summon her, my phone starts to ring. The ringtone is one I set to Bree’s number. Since I’ll need to be in touch with her frequently over the next few weeks, I’ve given her a unique ringtone.

I raise a hand at my little mouse and pick up the call. “Yes, Bree.”

Cecilia’s eyes widen, and I half expect her to let out a scream, but she doesn’t. Instead, she nods to herself and runs past me. Runs. I watch her retreat in disbelief, completely missing Bree’s words.

I shake my head slowly.

You can run, Myshka, but I’ll catch you.

4

CECILIA

My eyes snap open, and for a moment, I’m disoriented. I blink at the ceiling, trying to remember where I am. A soft tap on the door startles me, and I jolt up on the bed, glancing at the bedroom door.