Page 110 of Alexei

His eyes were so sad. Pale like the clearest, summer sky. My cheeks were wet from tears and his big hand wiped another tear rolling down my cheek.

“You were brave, kroshka.” His voice was raspy, though he tried to keep it low. “Keep being brave. Go in the house. I’ll stay here until you are inside safe.”

“Kingston,” I whimpered. “What about Kingston? My brother.”

He was so big and tall, he lowered himself down and I grabbed his shirt, fisting it tightly to ensure he didn’t leave me.

“I’ll get him. I’ll find a way,” he vowed with a thick accent, his voice rough and full of emotions. “I’ll find him, kroshka. No matter what.”

Alexei went back for Kingston. Even Ivan said it. Alexei kept his word, except that it was too late for my brother.

“He doesn’t form attachments, Agent Ashford.” Sasha’s voice pulled me back to the present. “He was abused so severely, he doesn’t allowanyoneto touch him. Yet, I’ve seen you sitting on his lap. Touching his face. Don’t destroy him too.”

I didn’t want to destroy him. I just wanted this pain in my chest to stop. To forget him.

“He led Ivan to my brother and me,” I said quietly.

“I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure he didn’t have a choice.” I’d give it to Sasha, he cared about his brother. Just as I cared about all of mine. “Let me take you to him so he can explain.”

“He sent you?”

“No.”

Of course not. Though I had no right to be upset about it. After all, I told him to stay away. I threatened him.

“There is nothing to explain,” I told him. “The time for explaining has come and gone. He could have explained to the police when Ivan first took my brother.” I let the words sink in before I continued. “He could have explained it to me when he met me.”

“So you will throw him away?” he asked, the accusation in his voice heavy. “Just like everyone else in his past has.”

My throat burned and my soul shattered. Alexei suffered enough too, his entire life. Could I even fault him for saving himself? I couldn’t and I wouldn't. If only it didn’t cost me my brother. Or maybe it was my own guilt that ate at me. I didn’t fucking know anymore.

I pressed my lips tight, my eyes darted away from the man that reminded me of the one that had somehow snuck under my skin. A month without Alexei felt long. It was just sex, I kept telling myself. Yet, it felt like so much more. History. Words. Each breath. His fucking single beautiful smile he gave me. My eyes burned and I felt anguish deep down in my soul.

“You better leave,” I told him, my voice shaking. I needed him gone before I fell apart. “My brother will be back any moment.”

He shook his head, disappointment washing over his expression.

Without another word, he strode out of my apartment.

ChapterThirty-Six

ALEXEI

Islowed my steps as I walked up the stairs to the estate’s gate. In Florida of all fucking places.

Raphael Santos gave me the tip. I repaid it with another piece of information. He was now hunting for a woman in Washington D.C. I dug up the information on Anya, sister to one of Aurora’s best friends. Since Russia, Aurora’s dream had been nagging me. The information I found was disturbing.

It had been a month since the fiasco in Russia. I resisted the urge to stalk Aurora. I wanted to ensure she was okay and safe. I missed her chocolate smell. Her soft skin. There was so much I wanted to tell her. Yet, I knew I had to stay away. Even if she somehow forgave me, I couldn’t be the man she wanted or needed.

So I focused on hunting down Igor. The weasel who somehow always found a way to escape without a scratch on him. I wouldn’t allow him to become the next Ivan. And he knew Aurora, so letting him live was not an option.

My phone rang and I cursed. I forgot to turn it off. It was another thing that had happened since Russia. I have been so fucking distracted I couldn’t function. Pathetic really.

I answered. “What?”

It was Vasili. “What the fuck are you doing in Florida?”

“Nothing.”