As soon as I can move without trouble, I head for the lift. Niko catches my arm as I jab the button.
“Where are you going?” he asks.
“Where else?” I glare at him. “I want to see Aleksei. I was hurt and he didn’t even come. What kind of asshole move is that?”
Niko’s lips twitch. Maybe my expression is funny to him. I stare at his mouth, surprised by the almost-smile. He doesn’t keep it for long, just shakes his head and drops his hand. “If the Zver wants to see you, he’ll send for you.”
That snaps my thoughts straight. “I’m not one of his goons. I know what he does, and he doesn’t scare me. I’m going up there.”
“I’ll just drag you back down again.”
I snort. “You can try, but this time I’m not giving up.”
“Damn it, Claire, at least wait until you’re not so obviously battered.” His eye
