That cost, I realize, could very well be her life.
Those same old memories flash before my eyes again: the blood, the bullets, the bodies. I was nineteen then. I’m not nineteen now.
But the thought of someone dying for me still doesn’t sit well in my chest.
My men are trained for this life and the death it might bring. They know what they’re getting into. From the moment they’re sworn in to the instant a bullet takes their lives, they breathe forme. And they get their fair dues in return.
What I offered Mia was more than fair, but she still turned me down.
It was a surprise. More than that—it was new. No one has ever turned me down before. Not as CEO, not aspakhan,and certainly not as a man.
But Mia Winters refused all three.
Why?
Why would she turn down a million dollars? Why, when it could change her whole life? It can’t be just because she thought I was rude. That would be absurd.
And yet, I can’t find any other reason.
She has no idea I was the target at Brad’s wedding. Or rather, thatshewas. I doubt she could have figured it out on her own, given her limited resources.
My past is a secret I’ve guarded carefully. The only explanation left is that, somehow, she caught wind of how dangerous I am. That she’s scared of me.
Call me crazy, but she sure as fuck didn’t look scared.
Suddenly, another head pops into view. Smaller, shorter—a little boy.Her son,I realize. The curtain is waving in the wind, hiding him from view from one moment to the next, so I don’t get a clear look. I’m not so sure I want to.
Because, if Mia ends up saying yes, I’ll be looking at the boy I might turn into an orphan.
An orphan like me.
I shake that thought right off. I can’t let it sink its claws into me. Whatever Mia’s life looks like is none of my concern. Whoever gets hurt isn’t, either.
My revenge takes precedence above all.
Besides, I’m not the kid I used to be. I’m strong now—strong enough to protect what’s mine.
“That’s her, isn’t it?” Maksim is grinning next to me. “Should we wave?”
“Do it and I’ll cut your fucking hand off.”
He backs away, eyes wide. “Fine, fine. Geez, you’re touchy. No wonder she dumped you.”
“She didn’tdumpme. We’re not a goddamn couple.”
“Not with that attitude.”
“You—”
A flash goes off behind me.
I turn, already pissed to hell and back, but don’t see anyone to vent my anger on. “Who the fuck’s taking pictures at this time of day?”
“Construction crew?” Maks shrugs. “They work with blowtorches. Sometimes, those look like camera flashes.”
“Shitty fucking neighborhood.” The longer I’m here, the more I’m convinced my description was accurate: Thisisa shithole. Mia can get mad all she wants—she’s just mad I’m right.
She could leave, though. If she’d only take my money, she could buy a place in the heart of Manhattan. Live at the top of the world.
