Page 125 of Break Me

CHAPTER 28

Alexsey

“Alexsey,” Halle said loudly enough I heard her clearly.

Even with the single word, there was much emotion, so much so the sound created a tightness in my chest.

Halle.

Seeing her standing in the back of the bar with her arms crossed had a very strong effect on me.

First, I was thankful she was safe, unharmed by a man she’d placed her trust in.

Second, I was furious she’d disobeyed me, putting her life on the line.

Third, I wanted nothing more than to drive my fist into Liam’s face first before shooting a bullet between his eyes.

“Are you okay?” I asked, noticing how my voice boomed inside the pub.

“Better now that you’re here.”

Not one of the assholes in the bar dared grumble their fury with her statement. They were all wide-eyed, uncertain of our intentions.

I took a deep breath, studying the two dozen customers now all standing in the small bar. Almost all had bristled as if prepared to start a war. Somehow, I had a feeling they knew they’d lose.

Yet when I took a few steps inside, they were happy to back away, creating a walkway toward where Liam, two of his men, and my beautiful captain were standing.

I’d known instinctively where she’d gone, daring enough to pretend to be her sister. At some point, I’d praise her for her creativity.

After I spanked her into full submission for putting her life at risk.

Liam had been backed into a corner, pushed even harder by her visit. I’d seen it before and often it didn’t matter the relationship.

With my brothers, cousins, and enough men to tear the place apart in minutes behind me, I glanced around the room before issuing my demand. “Here’s how we’re going to play it. Either you can leave and go about your day, or you could find yourselves in a situation you will likely regret. Those are your choices.”

It didn’t take long before the customers began to file out the door, forced to slide between our soldiers.

Liam stood stoically, now joined by three other men and a rough-looking bartender.

Mikhail chuckled from behind me. It had been a long time since he’d seen me with my anger barely in check.

Once the customers had left, I took methodical steps toward Liam and the lovely woman peering at me with just a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“We’re going to talk, Liam. Without your goons.” I nodded toward the open door, the room where they’d walked out of a few minutes earlier.

He stared at me, never blinking before nodding to his other men.

“Halle. Go with Mario to my car and wait. I won’t be long.”

As expected, she folded her arms, giving me that look that drove me absolutely nuts. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until I hear whatever excuse Liam was trying to make. And I won’t tolerate any lies, Liam. Not one. I’ve had it with you and the bullshit.”

God, I did love the ballsy woman to death.

I thought about her request. “Alright. You deserve that much.” With another harsh glare toward Liam, I waited until he finally acquiesced, heading into the room.

Halle remained where she was as I approached, her eyes lit up with the same fire and conviction, but also a hint of relief.

“You’re a very bad girl,” I said quietly.