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He winces. “If he does, then so do I. I’ve hurt the people I love, too.”

I’m shaking my head before he’s done. “That’s not the same, and you know it,” I say firmly. “You did what you had to. Kane did what he did because he’s a coward. He used Halle’s case against you when he knew how much she means to you and what you’d do to keep her safe. You’re nothing like him.”

A single tear slips down his cheek, and he swipes it away angrily. “This is so fucked up,” he whispers before meeting my eyes. They glisten with tears in the golden light. “When that guy was choking me, I was so scared. Not just of dying, but that you’d think I bailed. That all of this had been for nothing.” He swallows again, wincing. “Thank you for finding me…for saving me.”

I pull him into my arms, wishing I could chase away the memory of everything that happened to him.

“I did think that for a moment,” I admit, “But I know you, Lexie. You’re the best person I’ve ever met. You’d never break your word. And even without Kane’s help, I’d have found you and brought you back to me. I’d find you with my eyes closed, my hands tied, and the rest of my senses taken away. I haven’t taken my eyes off you since the night I met you, and I won’t begin to now.”

He shivers in my hold, eyes wide as he meets my eyes. “You mean that?” he asks quietly.

I press a kiss on his mouth because I do. I really do and nothing about it is terrifying because I’m in love with Alexander Kimura. I’ve been in love with him from the moment I met him.

“I mean it,” I say, “Every word.”

His eyes crinkle at the corners and he laughs quietly. “That’s probably the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.”

“What can I say? I’m a romantic guy.”

He snorts, pushing me away gently. “This is a shit show.”

“I know.” Right now, shit show is an understatement.

“Key’s contact,” he says. “We missed the meeting.”

I nod. “I asked Hayden to go,” I say, “Not to make contact, but just to see. We don’t know who he is—he’s not a part of The Snake, but we do have eyes on him. We’re tracking his every move. Sooner or later, he’ll meet whoever is behind this.”

Alex runs a hand through his hair. “Jesus, whoever is behind this is doing their best to stay hidden. They are hiding behind layers of people.”

“They are smart.”

Alex shoots me a glance. “Any ideas?”

I shake my head. “Not really, but I have eyes on The Keepers. If it’s any one of them…” I don’t finish the thought because if it is someone in The Keepers, we’re dealing with more than just power. We’re facing a war within The Snake.

“Okay,” he says, “So, what now?”

“Now you go back to sleep. We can talk about the rest when you’re all healed up.”

“I’m fine,” he mutters, sounding more like a sullen teenager than anything.

I stand from the bed, deciding he probably needs to drink some water and maybe get some food in him too.

“Where are you going?” he asks, his voice small.

“I’ll be right back,” I assure him.

“Wait, Rowan.”

“Yes, babe?” I turn back to him with a grin.

His brow furrows. “What did you just call me?”

I feign innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Rolling his eyes, he settles back in the bed, then clears his throat. “Thank you again,” he says. “For coming to find me. For all of this.”

“Told you already. You’re mine in every sense of that word and I like what belongs to mecloseto me.” I wink for good measure and make my way downstairs.