Page 59 of Dark Seduction
Claude, still looking jittery, motions us toward some fancy chairs. "Please, take a seat. Can I get you some champagne?"
I'm about to slip up about the pregnancy but Lev's way ahead of me. "Sparkling water with lime will be fine," he cuts in quickly. Claude nods and scurries off, returning in no time with our drinks, which he pours with slightly shaky hands.
As we settle in, Lev leans closer and whispers, "What would you like to see? Anything at all."
Claude, lingering nearby, can't help but ask, "Seriously, you're not planning to kill me, are you?"
Lev shoots him a half-smile. "The night is still young.”
I decide to steer us back to the purpose of our visit. "I'd love to see some tennis bracelets.”
Claude quickly brings over a tray of glittering bracelets. "Here you go. This one here," he points to a particularly dazzling piece, "is set with a row of large, brilliant-cut diamonds, each one sculpted to perfection. And it’s practically a steal at—”
Lev speaks up. "Let's skip the prices. Just show us what you've got."
Claude, a bit more at ease now, starts showcasing more tennis bracelets with an air of practiced flair.
Lev watches me, a slight smile on his lips. "Pick one," he urges quietly.
I scan the selection and my eyes settle on a stunning bracelet with an elegant wave pattern, the diamonds set so they catch the light from every angle. "That one.”
Claude nods, sliding the bracelet onto my wrist. The cool metal feels luxurious against my skin, and I can't help but be awestruck by how it sparkles.
"Now," Lev says, his voice firm but calm, "let's take a look at some diamond engagement rings."
My heart skips a beat, and I meet his gaze, excitement flickering in my eyes. Claude starts to offer, "We have many styles to—"
But I cut him off, already sure of my choice. "I already know which one I want. The one I was looking at earlier."
Lev tells Claude, "Bring it to me."
I show Claude which one and he retrieves the ring, dutifully placing it in a box. Once he hands it over to Lev, the atmosphere shifts.
Lev casually pulls out a gun and Claude's face blanches. "Oh God!" he exclaims, stepping back.
Lev’s voice is ice cold as he says, "Now, you're going to apologize."
Claude looks like he's about to faint, his face draining of color. “Apologize?” he sputters, shock written all over him.
“That’s right,” Lev replies, his voice cool and steady. “You stole Dalia’s designs and passed them off as your own. You took advantage of her when she was down then made money off it. You’re both a thief and a liar.”
Seeing Claude shake like a leaf, I feel a twist of nervousness. “Lev, I really don’t want him to die.”
Lev glances at me, then back at Claude. “His fate’s in his own hands.”
Claude practically falls over himself to apologize. “I’m sorry, Dalia, I’m so sorry.”
Lev isn’t having it. “You’ll need to do better than that. First, get on your knees,” he directs sharply.
Without much choice, Claude drops to his knees, his movements awkward and desperate.
Lev’s voice is authoritative. “Now, Claude. Apologize specifically for what you did.”
Claude nods quickly, turning to me with eyes wide. He clasps his hands together, almost as if he’s praying. “Dalia, I am deeply sorry for taking your jewelry designs and passing them off as my own. It was wrong to profit from your creativity and hard work during a time when you were vulnerable. I regret my actions and the harm they caused you.”
From across the room, Vanya chimes in, half-joking, half-serious. “You know, the Yakuza makes people cut off a knuckle to show how sincere they are when they apologize.”
Claude's face goes even whiter, and he lets out a shrill shriek at the suggestion. "No, please, no!"