Liliana
The sound of my own scream seemed to come from someone else. One moment I was crouched behind the steel drums, watching Mikhail confront Anton, and the next, rough hands were dragging me backwards into the shadows.
“Hello, little bird.”
My father's voice in my ear made my skin crawl. His arm was wrapped around my throat, cutting off my air, while his other hand pressed a knife against my ribs.
“Papa,” I gasped, struggling against his grip.
“I am disappointed in you, Liliana.” His voice was conversational, like we were discussing the weather, not like he was holding a blade to my body. “I gave you one simple task. Get close to Mikhail Volkov. Instead, you fell in love with him. You bastard.” His voice dripped with disdain.
“I didn't…” I coughed.
“Don't lie to me.” The knife p
