Ruthless Bratva King (New York Russian Mafia Kings #1)

9. Elena

9

ELENA

B y the time we’re in the car, Veronica has seamlessly transitioned from casual cheerleader to full-blown motivational speaker.

“You know, if you were in charge of designing my apartment complex, I might actually enjoy living there.”

“I think it’s cute as it is,” I reply absently, glancing out the window.

“Cute?” she snorts. “You told me it’s a death trap.”

“Yeah, but an affordable death trap.”

“Come on, what would you do? You have ideas, don’t you? I can tell.”

I can’t help myself. “I’d make the hallways wider for a start, and add better lighting. Maybe build a rooftop garden to give residents some outdoor space. And those countertops would be quartz, not Formica. More durable.”

“See?” She smacks my arm playfully. “You’re a genius. So why the hell aren’t you studying this?”

I shrug, fiddling with the zipper on my jacket. “You know why. Dad tore up my application.”

“He’s gone now. You’ve got no excuses left. One day, I’ll be living somewhere you designed, and I’ll say ‘I told you so’ at the top of my voice from the huge atrium filled with slides and swings.”