16. Chapter 16

16

Leonid

I don’t have to try hard to notice the way her olive skin loses color.

She looks like she’s about to punch me or vomit. Either one would be entertaining.

I don’t bother suppressing the smirk that curls on my lips.

I like this.

I like seeing her squirm, watching the anger and fear flicker across her face. It’s better than that calm, unbreakable facade she usually hides behind.

Give me something real, Clara Caldwell.

It’s real.

Her fists clench on her lap, fingers digging into her palms, and a spark of satisfaction lights up inside me.

Her eyes stay locked on mine, unblinking, but I know the anger is simmering.

Da , krasotka.

I shift a little closer, making sure she feels me right there. “Going pale doesn’t suit you,” I say, each word slow and deliberate. “Makes me think you’re scared.”

Her jaw sets, lips pressing into a thin line. “What about… Mitch?” she fires back.

Her eyes narrow, that fire flaring back up.

Yeah, that’s more like it.

I lean in just a fraction. “Worried about your broken-down bodyguard?” The taunt comes naturally. “He’s not going anywhere, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Her nostrils flare, and her gaze flicks toward the door down the hall.

I let her question hang in the air, savoring the tension. “That’s for trying to poison me, krasotka ,” I say, leaning in just a bit closer.

She doesn’t need to know I’m having too much fun right now, getting some sweet revenge.

Her lips part, and I catch the beginning of a curse. “You… bast—”

Before she can finish, Elijah’s laughter echoes through the glasshouse, and he comes barreling toward her. He crashes into Clara, hugging her waist like he hasn’t seen her in years. The way her entire demeanor softens for him…

It’s almost endearing. Almost.

I side-eye Dmitry, giving a short nod. He steps forward, crouching down to Elijah’s level.

“Want to see a snake?” he asks, that rare, almost paternal warmth sneaking into his eyes.

Elijah’s face lights up. “Snake?” he repeats, already bouncing with excitement. Clara, on the other hand, stiffens beside me, her eyes darting from her son to Dmitry.

“Snake?” she echoes, her voice edged with panic. But before she can react, Dmitry has already scooped Elijah up, lifting him effortlessly. Elijah squeals with delight, grabbing at Dmitry’s shirt.

“No!” Clara tries to move, but I grab her wrist, my grip firm enough to keep her planted in place. She twists to glare at me, fury blazing in her eyes.

“He’s fine,” I say, keeping my hold on her. “We’re not going to hurt him.”

Maksim strolls over, hands stuffed in his pockets. He’s grinning because of course he finds this entertaining.

“He’s just meeting Golubka,” Maksim says. “Lazy bastard of a snake; sleeps for hours after eating.” He shrugs. “Won’t even move unless you bribe him with a rat.”

Clara’s face twists in a mix of anger and confusion. “What the fuck do you want from me?” she snaps, her voice shaking despite her best efforts to sound tough.

I release her wrist but stay close, my shadow still looming over her. “Reminding you who started this,” I reply, a cruel edge slipping into my words.

She needs to understand.

But then the reminder hits me: She thinks I started this… by killing her brother.

Her eyes flash with something raw, and for a moment, I wonder if she’ll launch herself at me. But she holds back, her breathing shallow.

“Come on,” I say, breaking the moment. I stand and jerk my head toward the door. “Let’s go meet Mitch.”

Her entire body tenses, and I can practically hear the wheels turning in her head. She doesn’t have a choice, and we both know it. As she stands, I lead her out of the glasshouse.

She walks like she’s being led to her own execution.

Good.

Let her feel the dread. It’s only fair.