Page 9 of Scarred Redemption

“How did she know about the location of the funeral?” Sergei asked from beside me.

“That I’m not certain, but I intend on discovering.”

He touched my arm, preventing me from moving toward her. “I don’t know what you plan on saying to her, but keep in mind you’re not…”

When he didn’t finish, I turned just enough to catch the look on his face. Apparently, everyone believed I’d lost my fucking mind and that I couldn’t handle simple actions without flying off the handle.

“Be careful, Sergei. I’m not fragile nor am I unable to think clearly. We’re all under the assumption that Ms. Parker has nothing to do with this, but she is Isabel’s family. Her only family. I need to speak with her.”

“Yes, so it would seem. I’m merely suggesting that you consider how you come across.”

Everyone had been handling me with kid gloves, even my captains, fearful that my explosive temper would erase all concepts of diplomacy and even decency.

Yes, it would, but even I wouldn’t cause a scene at a funeral.

Unless of course it was absolutely necessary.

I was surprised to see Hope walking toward me, never blinking.

“Incoming,” Sergei said quietly.

While I stood my ground, my hands clasped in front of me, I could smell her animosity. When she was close, she finally threw Sergei a look that was more of a warning.

Maybe I’d detected the fire within her because I braced myself for the brutal slap across my cheek and jaw. The pain tore through my ear and down the side of my neck, but I barely flinched.

Sergei sucked in his breath, obviously worried about my reaction.

“You’re a fucking monster, Mr. Aristov,” Hope said while blasting another hateful look toward Sergei. “I guess I’m not telling you anything you don’t already embrace with your whole heart.”

“Isabel was very special to me.”

“Really? As if you wasted any of your time and energy to show her that. She loved you. Did you know that? She adored you and that sweet little girl. She felt as if she’d found a family after all the suffering she did over the years. Yet, on that day she told me she was going to break it off with you. Did you know that? She came to her senses and knew just how dangerous you were.”

Every muscle in my body tensed, my jaw clenching. Yet I said nothing. I’d sensed the discord on that day. I’d known she’d become unhappy and I’d wanted to change that. Somehow.

“I guess you weren’t paying any damn attention. How quickly you forget she took a bullet for you. Do you know how close she came to dying? My guess is she didn’t share that with you because that’s not how Isabel reacted. She still believed in the best in people. See where it got her. I hate you, Mr. Aristov, and if I could, I’d find a way to have you convicted of her murder. So short of that, I’ll ask you a favor.”

“And what’s that?”

“Find her killer and make him pay.”

Hope didn’t wait for an answer, turning and walking off.

Sergei blew out a heavy breath of air. “Wow. That woman couldn’t care less who you are.”

“She’s right. I’m to blame.” I touched my face where she’d slapped me while watching her getting into her car. “I want her watched.”

“Wait a minute. Now you think Isabel’s best friend has something to do with the person responsible for her death?” He sensed my discord and shook his head. “She’s not an enemy.”

“Contrary to what you might believe, I’m still of sound mind. Hope not only has a key to Isabel’s apartment, she also had the legal means of entering and dispersing her personal effects. Given she was also on the medical team who attended to Isabel’s gunshot wound, there is always a chance the person responsible for the attacks will believe Hope has some useful information. Or a further way to get to me. Even I’m not so savage as to desire anything to happen to her. I would expect you to thank me for caring about a woman you have some interest in.”

“No disrespect, but you’re a real asshole.”

I chuckled in response. “And I intend on remaining that way.”

“Fine, I’ll have her watched. I’ll also put a trace on Isabel’s bank accounts in case anyone attempts to access her funds.”

I moved closer to where the last of those attending were gathered, noticing another lone figure.