"I didn't let her die, Suzanne," he said quietly. "I wasn't fast enough to stop it. That's not the same thing."
She shook her head, backing away. "It's exactly the same thing."
A tense silence settled between them, heavy with unspoken words.
Finally, Andrei spoke. "You want to go after Rurik? Fine. But you need me. Whether you trust me or not, I'm your best shot at getting to him."
Suzanne hated that he was right. She hated that despite everything, she still needed him.
She looked down at the folder in her hands, then back at Andrei. "Then you better prove to me that you're not still protecting him."
Andrei held her gaze, something dark and unreadable in his expression.
"I intend to," he said. "Starting now."
Suzanne wasn't sure if she believed him, but for now, she had no choice but to move forward. She needed answers, and if Andrei was willing to provide them, she would take advantage of it—while keeping a close eye on him.
