VIKTOR
The elevator doors slid shut behind us, sealing us in the penthouse. Safe. For now. But Elena's shadow clung like cigarette smoke, persistent, choking. I'd kill for him.
The thought settled in my gut, heavy and true. Not a metaphor. Literal. If she pushed, I'd end her. Quiet. Clean. One less problem.
Kairen brushed past me, shrugging off his jacket. Attitude still simmering. He headed for the bedroom without a word.
I followed at a distance, scanning the space out of habit. Windows secure. Doors locked. No tails on the walk back. But paranoia gnawed. Cameras? Bugs? Elena was good. Too good.
We got ready for work in silence. Him in the walk-in, pulling on a crisp shirt that hid the bruises, mostly. Me in the guest room, suiting up. Black tie. Shoulder holster. Knife in the boot.
The drive to K-S Continental was heavier. City traffic crawled, horns blaring, but inside the SUV? Dead quiet. The blackmail video played in my head on loop. Me on my knees. His moans. Exposed.
