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I ball my hands into fists, trying to keep them steady as I try to push down the rising sense of panic that’s threatening to take over my rational thought.
Danil shakes his head. “It could be anything, from a drug interception to a potential hit and run. We don’t know.”
Mikhail’s eyes flick to Bianca. “But we shouldn’t take any chances.”
“I agree.” I frown.
I have to protect my family at all costs.
Bianca looks between us. “Can these guys be persuaded to ‘work both sides’ as my father used to put it? For the right price, most of these guys can be persuaded to change their loyalty. At the end of the day, all they care about is their paycheck, not who it comes from.”
My brothers look at Bianca with stunned expressions.
I huff a laugh, impressed by her confidence.
“It’s true, and something we’ll likely consider. In the meantime, I suggest we tighten our security.”
This time, Bianca doesn’t miss the way my brothers glance at her.
“Oh, hell no, if you think you’re taking anything else from me, you can think again.”
“Can you give us a minute?” I look at my brothers.
Bianca glares at me, her blue eyes filled with loathing.
I keep my eyes locked on her as my brothers surprisingly leave the room without any complaint.
“I’m going to have to cancel your art class for the time being, and Zara should stay away too?—”
“No.”
“This isn’t up for debate, Bianca. My decision is final.”
Her eyes widen, and she laughs. “Your decision? You’re the one who pushed me to go to the fucking class in the first place, and now you want to take it away?”
“For the time being.”
“No.” She shakes her head.
A few strands of her dark hair fall from the knot on top of her head, and I itch to tuck them behind her ear.
“Alexei, there’s always going to be some sort of threat on either one of us. It’s the nature of our family, so we need to find a way to exist with it, otherwise I’m going to go crazy.”
“Can you please cooperate on this? For me?”
“No.”
“Fine. You can go, but I have Feliks or Micah accompany you to the class, including sitting in on it while you’re there.”
She shakes her head, her jaw clenching as she stares me down.
“I don’t need a babysitter.”
It takes every ounce of strength I have to keep my cool.
Does she think I enjoy taking away her freedom?
“Your father trusted me to keep you safe.”
