He leads me toward the imposing double doors, Arkady falling into step behind us like a golden-haired shadow. As we approach, the crowd parts.
I spot Andrei standing near the doors. Our eyes meet briefly, and a chill runs through me at the memory of his fingers around my throat.
Vince notices my tension and moves to block me from him.
The doors swing open to reveal a room I haven’t seen before in my limited explorations of the estate. It’s a library, but unlike any library I’ve ever visited. Dark wood paneling lines the walls, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. A gargantuan table dominates the center, around which sit twelve men of various ages, all watching our entrance with piercing focus.
My hand instinctively finds my stomach again. We’re safe, I tell m
