Page 66 of The Enemy Protector
“Because it’s compartmentalized. Different people handle different pieces. No one sees the whole picture except whoever’s running it. Smart, actually.”
“Too smart.” I finish my scotch. “Keep digging. I want to know every detail—who, what, where, when. If Yuri’s involved, I need proof.”
“And if Mikhail’s involved?”
That’s the question that’s been eating at me. If Mikhail built this operation, then Sofia inherited something far darker than she realizes. Something that could destroy everything she’s trying to protect.
“Then we deal with it,” I say. “But quietly. She doesn’t need to know unless it becomes necessary.”
“You’re protecting her.”
“I’m protecting my investment.”
Kirill gives me that look again. The one that says he sees right through my bullshit.
“What if she does know?”
I slowly shake my head. “She doesn’t.”
He holds his drink to his lips, but I see the smile he’s trying to hide.
“What?” I snap.
“Nothing.” He holds up his hand. “Just interesting to see you like this.”
“Like what?”
“Invested. Personally invested. I’ve never seen you this—” He searches for the word. “Involved.”
“I made a promise.”
“This is more than a promise.”
I want to argue. Tell him he’s wrong. Nothing more than maintaining my honor.
But the lie won’t come.
“You ready for this?” Kirill asks quietly.
“I don’t have a choice.”
“You always have a choice.”
“Not this time.” I meet his eyes. “She called me, Kirill. When she was in danger and needed help, she called me. Not her father. Not her guards. Me. That means something.”
“It means she’s smart enough to know who has the real power in this city.”
“It means she trusts me. Even if she doesn’t realize it yet.”
He nods. “I suppose it does.”
We finish our meal. We often have dinner together. I briefly wonder if we’ll have these dinners after my marriage. Will Sofia expect me to dine with her?
Do I want to?
“I’ll see you in the morning,” Kirill says. “Unless you need me tonight?”
“No. Go home. Get some rest. Once this goes public, things are going to move fast.”
