Page 29 of Corrupted By the Shadow King (Hope Runs Deep #3)

Alex

I thumb through the papers in front of me; my eyes are on them, but I don’t really see them. I don’t give a shit about the profits and expenditures or what is happening with any part of my empire. Normally, I go over everything with a fine-tooth comb, but I don’t have it in me to do it right now.

“Alejandro,” Angel calls out to me from across the space.

I hear him but don’t bother lifting my eyes from the stack of papers.

If he needs something, he’ll tell me. Otherwise, I plan to sit here doing nothing while I pretend to work.

My name may be listed at the top of our hierarchy, but Angel and Ricky hold almost as much power as I do.

Everyone knows to listen to them in my stead. “Alejandro!”

I breathe out an inaudible curse word, and my tongue smacks the roof of my mouth. I run my hands over my face, my pointer fingers making small circles over my eyes. It’s best for everyone if I stay cooped up alone in my office. If I don’t talk to him, I won’t take it out on him.

“ Cabron hermano ,” he groans, blowing out a frustrated breath, and drops into a chair beside my desk with a thud.

“Why couldn’t you be a girl? I can handle tears.

I know how to deal with those. But this version of broody Alejandro…

I don’t know how to handle.” His voice grows in volume as he speaks, and he taps his shoes, making them click against the hardwood floor. “Alex, are you okay?”

“ Sí ,” I lie, glancing up at him before going back to blankly stare at the pages.

“I’m serious. I know you miss her. I liked her, but we can’t stop living.”

I shrug. I’m not discussing this with him.

It’s the truth, I miss her so fucking much.

She is all I dreamed about last night, and I don’t think tonight will be any different.

I’m devastated, and the only person I have to blame for feeling like the weight of the world may topple over and crush my body is me.

I’m the reason Nikki and I aren’t together. It’s my fault.

“Alejandro,” he speaks my name again, and I glare at him.

“ Mierda ! What! What is it, Angel? Why can’t you read the room? I don’t want to be bothered. Can we please not do this right now?” He and I have always been close and leaned on one another when life was heavy.

“Oh, we’re doing it whether you like it or not.” His lips press tightly together before jetting forward. He glares at me, growling under his breath. “Go to the hospital and see her. She’s hurt, and rightfully so. But maybe, one day, she’ll forgive you. Just give her time.”

Time! Ha! I love how fucking naive he can be. It isn’t like either of us will wake up as a different person tomorrow. We have to learn how to play the hand we’re dealt. “We’re the fucking Luna Cartel. Giving up isn’t an option.”