WADE
My shoulders square in reflex as Lev approaches me, his expression unreadable but his presence hostile. I do not want a fight—I don't want to be at odds with Nina's family any more than I already am—but the way he spoke to me on the phone earlier was extremely disrespectful, and I will not stand for it.
He comes to a halt just inches away, locking eyes with me, and for a brief moment, he says nothing, only stares at me with contempt so sharp that it is clear he sees me as nothing, insignificant.
“What is this?” I finally ask, unable to tolerate his attitude. I married Nina, not him, so I will not pretend to be polite when he does not deserve it. His lips twitch, but it doesn’t quite turn into a smile. It’s more like amusement at my audacity.
"This," he says calmly, "is a warning
