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I dialed Misha’s number and switched over to speakerphone while we waited. In one of the flashes of color, I saw his distinctly sky-blue eyes. He had to have been there. Even if he wasn’t, he could at least get me the security footage to prove my innocence in the court of Leander.
After a few rings, Misha answered. “Privet?”
“It’s Bennett Reeve,” I said, hoping a second too late he didn’t say something wholly inappropriate. Considering Misha and I had a past, however brief, there was always the possibility Ididdo something stupid. The only thing I had going for me was my deep-seated conviction that I didn’t. At least, not intentionally.
“Is everything ok?” Misha sounded genuinely concerned, which was both touching and a tally in the “Not Good for Bennett” column.
Leander’s scowl tightened.
I ignored that for the time being. “What happened last night? Did I take something?”
“Yes.” Fuck me.
Leander went to walk around me. I grabbed a fistful of his sweater and pushed him against the wall, keeping him there despite the murderous look he gave me.
“What was it?” I asked.
Misha sighed. “I told you. Special K. It’s Sergei’s new product.” Well, that explained why I couldn’t remember shit. It was a goddamn horse tranquilizer.
“Ok… DidItake it? Willingly?” Please say no. Please say no…
Misha made an unsure noise, which I hoped was due to his translation process and not an indication I was going to be in more hot water. “Sveta gave it to you.”
Oh thank God. As relieved as I was, I kept my celebration to a minimum. I made sure Leander was looking at me when I asked my follow-up question. “Did Idoanything while I was there? Go anywhere with anyone?Privately?”
“No. Why are you asking?”
“Thank you!” I hung up and faced Leander expectantly. He was still pinned to the wall, my hand planted in the center of his chest, looking no more convinced than he had prior to the exonerating phone call. I backed off, holding my hands up, trying to take the high road. “See? I didn’t lie.”
He took a step forward and swiped his hand down the front of his sweater, removing the wrinkles. The gesture was a giant “Fuck you,” as loud as if he’d screamed it in my face. “Regardless, I’m leaving as soon as I’m packed.”
“You just heard him! How can you seriously still be mad at me for something I didn’t intentionally do?”
“There are things that need my attention at home. Unlike you, my job doesn’t consist of getting high in clubs and nearly choking on my own vomit.”
Low blow, dick. “That’snotmy job — not anymore. And you know that!”
“All I know is this city is a fucking cesspool,” Leander shot back, his eyes flashing as he took another step forward. “Every time you’re here, something horrible happens. Say what you will about Easton, but at least I don’t have to worry about youdyingthere.”
“No, butIhave to deal with the fallout from your love affair with your fucking doctor!” So much for the high road. I waved at it as I plummeted by on my way to the lowest of the low roads.
He shook his head, his face a mixture of disbelief and anger. “You really are going to hold that over my head forever, aren’t you?”
“No different than you and whatever the hell happened last night.”
“You nearly gave us away,” he repeated, enunciating each syllable. “Or at the very least, you nearly gaveyourselfaway. Between pawing at me and latching on to Misha, I’m surprised Sergei didn’t have you beaten on the spot.”
“While we’re on the topic of taboo relationships — have you even called your girlfriend?” I crossed my arms, completely ignoring his point in favor of my own interrogation. He wasn’t wrong about Sergei, but hopefully the Pahkan realized I was worth far more to him alive than dead, especially over something that literally had nothing to do with him or the money I made his organization.
Rolling his eyes, Leander shook his head and stalked away, muttering under his breath.
“I’ll take that as a ‘No!’” I shouted after him.
He whirled around and marched back up to me, his hands balled at his sides. “I have had other concerns!”
“Name one!” I came nose-to-nose with him, refusing to back off. We’d never actually gotten into a physical fight over the course of knowing one another, so it would be interesting to see how it all played out. After the years of abuse he endured, he didn’t feel pain like regular people. And he didn’t surrender, even if it was in his best interests. I was sure I could ultimately win, but at what cost?
“You!” Leander yelled, bringing me back to the heart of the fight. “The house. My company. Irene’s fucking will! The police. Now the FBI and the Russians in the middle of my business. Of everything I have going on in my life, Lorelei is theleastof my fucking concerns!”
