Page 53 of Maksim

I shake my head. “You don’t get to make requests.”

He laughs. “You finally have some bargaining power, kid, I’ll give you that. But let’s not pretend I have more on the line than you do. We’re talking your freedom versus my relationship with a moody teenager here.”

“That,” I point at him, “is a bluff. That’s another thing I want. Honesty.”

He rolls his eyes. “Are you telling me I’m wrong?”

My lips pinch as I consider it. No. No, he isn’t wrong.

“Fine. What do you want?”

He takes a moment to smirk before replying. “Your employment must be at one of the Bratva’s businesses. It’ll be easier that way. I’ll be able to adjust your schedule and pay you under the table so we can avoid the annoyances that come with you being an illegal immigrant. Plus, I like to be able to keep an eye on you.” He winks, the playful, obnoxious Maksim returning. To my surprise, I’m not immediately annoyed.

“Fair enough,” I say.

“I want us to sleep in the bed together.”

I shake my head. “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

“Ah, so no deal?”

When my eyes constrict, he smiles like he’s amused. Again, I’m not annoyed. It’s weird.

“Fine.”

He nods victoriously, but then his composure falls some. He looks like he’s about to ask me for something serious. “I want us to start over…”

His eyes implore me with such intensity that I look away. I saw him first as my enemy, then as a tool with such ferocity that the idea of seeing him as anything else seems wrong.

“Look, you don’t like me. I get that,” he says. “I’m not a big fan of yours either.”

“Wow, thank you.”

“But all the fighting we do in private is going to bleed into times we’re supposed to look … you know, happy. I think we should try to become friends.”

I almost laugh. “You’re gonna make me puke.”

He goes to smile but then changes his mind, rubbing his jaw instead. “I don’t know, maybe that’s too much to ask.”

Yes.

Probably.

But… We could try.

It’s a much better situation than I was in yesterday. Or even hours ago.

I tuck my hair behind my ears and twist my lips as I consider it, consider him. I don’t think it would be easy. Too much has happened. Too many unkind things have been said, too many threats have been made.

But… There are a million things I want to experience in this country, starting with this city.

I could use a friend.

With a sigh, I hold out my hand, and Maksim stares down at it with his brow furrowed.

“Hi,” I say, my voice as awkward as you could imagine. “I’m Elira.”

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