Page 69 of Hidden Empire
“What if we both die?”
“Our sister will be tasked with creating an heir.”
“You have a sister?” I don’t think I knew that.
“Yes,” he says, smiling sadly. “Anya, she’s sixteen, and… she has a lot going on.”
I understand. Sore subject, not the time.
“Okay, so why would Anya be the next step, if Dmitri and I are metaphorically dead, why wouldn’t you become Pakhan?”
“I would,” he says, correcting my assumption. “I would fill in until her son becomes of age, but I still won’t marry or sire heirs of my own.”
“But why not?”
“I can’t be rewarded for my brother’s death,” he deadpans. “If Dmitri dying is what stood in my way of becoming Pakhan, what is there to stop me from killing him myself?”
Um, the fact that you love him!
“You’d never do that,” I argue, frowning.
“No, I wouldn’t,” he agrees solemnly.
“This is all so intense,” I mutter, mind racing.
“It’s only going to get more intense,” he warns. “We’re giving you time to adjust, but my life is yours, Jade. I’ll protect you just like I’d protect Dmitri. Whatever it takes.”
I swallow, looking down at my feet. “So… you didn’t really want to be my friend? You just feel obligated to?”
“No,” Ivan refutes, reaching for my hand and taking it into a snug grip. “Of course, I wanted to be your friend. I still do. This is why I was hesitant to tell you, Jade. I don’t hang out with you for the sole purpose of diving in front of anyone or anything trying to hurt you. I care about you.”
My mood instantly lifts, just like my smile. “Okay, good.”
“Yeah?” he double-checks, looking into my eyes. “You believe me?”
“Of course I do,” I promise. “What kind of a best friend would I be if I didn’t?”
Chapter 20
Dmitri
“She handled that well.”
“Khristos, Dmitri,” Ivan curses, flinching away from me.
Jade has just walked back into the crowd of students heading to their next stop. My brother chose to stay behind, giving her time to separate herself in case one of her brothers are near. A smart plan since Armani is in his free period currently.
Huffing, he runs a hand through his hair, combing it back. “Can you refrain from jumping off of buildings? You’re going to give me a heart attack.”
I look up at the roof of the small building and chuckle at his dramatics. It was a ten foot drop, hardly anything to concern himself with.
“How long did it take you to know I was listening?” I ask, genuinely curious.
“I just automatically assume you’re lurking whenever she’s near,” he returns, shaking his head. “Do you even go to class anymore?”
“I’m only in one class.”
“I know,” he remarks. “I’m still asking.”