Page 74 of Righteous Enforcer
Eva catches my eye over our daughter's head, and the warmth in her gaze pleases me. For tonight, whatever haunts her isn’t present.
We’re nearly at the exit doors when the hairs on the back of my neck rise.
My hand tightens around Eva's hand, pulling her closer to my side.
“Adriano Dante. I didn’t know you had an interest in the arts.” Ivan Vasiliev steps in front of us.
Every muscle in my body coils for violence.
I calculate what it would take to put a bullet between his eyes right now.
But the theater lobby teems with civilians and my daughter sleeps against my shoulder, innocent and vulnerable.
"Ivan," I acknowledge, keeping my voice conversational while my eyes promise death. "Didn't take you for a ballet fan either."
His smile reminds me of a snake. "Art transcends our petty conflicts, doesn't it?"
Two of his men shift positions, blocking the exit. Ivan takes a step closer, and I feel Eva tremble against me.
"I didn’t realize you had a family.” His eyes drift to Eva, watching her with disturbing familiarity.
Eva shrinks further into my side.
"You seem unusually interested in my woman," I say, dropping all pretense of civility. If Eva won’t tell me what the fuck is going on, maybe he will. "Why is that?"
Ivan's expression shifts to amusement. "Your woman? Interesting."
The crowded lobby fades away, my focus narrowing to the space between us. "Choose your next words carefully, Vasiliev."
"Or what?" He spreads his hands. "You'll gun me down in front of all these witnesses? In front of the child? I think not."
He steps closer, close enough that I can smell his cologne. Close enough that I could snap his neck before his heartbeat registers the movement.
“You always act like we’ve taken something from you, young Dante, but let me remind you that you’re the one who took my brother.”
“You killed my father.”
He shrugs. “Maksim was wrong to do that.”
“You haven’t answered my question. What’s your interest in Eva?”
Eva’s gaze shoots to me, horror filling her eyes. A sinking feeling dips in my stomach as I realize she’s afraid of what he might tell me.
Ivan watches us with interest. “She hasn’t told you?”
Eva's hand squeezes so tight, I nearly wince.
He laughs. “Clearly not.”
One of Ivan’s men leans in and whispers in his ear.
“Alas, I must go.” Ivan turns his attention to Eva. “I’ll see you again soon,????????????????.”
The Russian phrase makes Eva gasp. Little spy.
"Touch her, and I'll skin you alive," I promise quietly.
Ivan waves his hand dismissively. “No need for that.”
