Page 33 of Dark Seduction

I respond, my voice sharp. "You've got some nerve to put my life in danger, then make demands like that."

My head starts to throb as my anger flares. He places his hand on mine, and somehow, his touch calms me right away.

"You're more than entitled to tear into me," he says, his voice steady. "But now's not the time. You need to rest and recover."

I realize he's right, though it frustrates me. "Fine," I mutter. "But don't think this conversation is over."

His lips twitch in a small, almost amused smile. "I wouldn't dare."

I sigh, leaning back in the chair. "And don’t think for a second that I’m going to make this easy for you."

He chuckles. "I wouldn't expect anything less."

Chapter 14

Dalia

I'm caught in a whirlwind of memories from that night—the adrenaline, the fear, the bikers, the guns, the screaming—they play over and over on repeat in my mind. I remember the sound of gunshots, the weight of Lev’s body shielding me, the feel of cold pavement against my skin.

It’s all so vivid, so terrifyingly alive in my mind.

Snap back to now. I'm sitting at my desk in the office, trying to catch up on a week's worth of missed work.

Vanya sits next to me in Lev’s place, going over some upcoming meetings, his voice steady and reassuring, but I’m barely holding it together. I scribble down notes, my handwriting shaky.

He pauses, glancing up with a knowing look. “You’re still shaken up about that night, aren’t you?” he asks gently.

“Yeah. You could say that.” I nod, swallowing hard. “How do you deal with it? The trauma?”

Vanya smiles sadly and taps his leg, the one supported by a cane. “We all carry our burdens,” he says softly. “But we learn, weadapt. You will too.”

I force a smile, grateful for his attempt to ease my mind. “Thanks, Vanya. I guess it’s just going to take some time.”

He nods understandingly. “Take all the time you need. We’re all here for you.”

I nod, his words making me feel a little better. Maybe he's right. Maybe I can get through this, just like he did. But for now, I need to focus on simply getting through today.

I try to turn my attention to the tasks at hand, but my mind keeps drifting. Vanya, catching on to my distraction, tilts his head and lowers his voice, “What’s really on your mind, Dalia?”

I hesitate, the secret of my pregnancy with Lev pressing against my lips, but I decide against sharing it. Too much, too soon. “I haven’t seen much of Lev lately,” I admit instead, trying to sound casual.

Vanya nods, understandingly. “He’s been tied up with clients, wining and dining, you know how it is. He should be back soon, though.”

He gives me a sly grin, teasing, “Why, do you miss him?”

I laugh, more out of relief than amusement, and shrug nonchalantly. “Maybe just a bit. He certainly makes the office more interesting.”

Vanya chuckles, tapping his cane lightly on the floor. “That he does. Lev tends to leave a void when he’s not around. But he’ll be back before you know it, stirring up trouble and making your days less predictable.”

I smile, grateful for the lighthearted tone of our talk. It's nice, the normalcy of it, even if just for a moment. “I guess I’m getting used to that certain something he brings.”

“Sounds like you’re fonder of him than you let on,” Vanya observes, raising an eyebrow.

I wave him off, but the warmth in my chest tells me he’s not wrong.

He gets up, pushing his chair back with a thoughtful nod. "Let's wrap this up for now. Whatever's left can wait for an email, right?" he suggests with a gentle smile. He pauses at the edge of my desk, his expression softening. "And Dalia, if you ever need someone to talk to about that night or anything else, I'm here."

"Thanks, Vanya," I manage, genuinely grateful for his support.