Year Three (Kingmakers, #3)

by Sophie Lark

She honestly intimidated me. Cat has changed so much, and I don’t think she’s finished. I feel like I witnessed the birth of a star, a creature that will burn brighter and brighter until she eclipses us all.

“Do I sound jealous?” she says, looking up at me at last, her face open and vulnerable. “I’m jealous,” I say, seizing her arm and pulling her close. “Any time anyone looks at you, or speaks to you, I’m jealous. I want all your minutes, and all your words. I want all of you, all the time.”

“What’s the first order, boss?” I grin. “You can carry my books,” she says, dumping them into my arms. “Walking five feet behind me.” “No problem,” I say. “This is my favorite view.” “And don’t talk,” Cat snaps, over her shoulder.

I will do anything for Cat. Sacrifice anything. Pay any price. I’ll grovel forever if that’s what it takes to get her back. I don’t give a fuck if I look stupid in front of the whole school, or if Vanya spreads the news of this to all of Moscow, undermining my position in the Bratva. I want Cat more than I want anything—even to become Pakhan. I’ve never loved someone more than my own ambition. It’s terrifying. Because I’m not in control of Cat. I can’t make her love me. All I can do is hope.

My heart is ripping in half, torn between my need to help him, and the knowledge that if I confess, we’ll never be together. I’ll be dead and he’ll despise me forever for my weakness.

Dean doesn’t want me weak, guilty, and giving in. He wants me strong. Ruthless. Doing whatever it takes to get what we want.