Page 59

CHAPTER 58

ALEXEI

“Come in.” Mikhail's deep voice booms through his office door. I didn’t even need to knock.

As I step inside, he leans back in his chair, and I take the seat opposite his desk.

I don’t say a word. I know why he’s called me in.

He pours me a vodka and slides it towards me. His dark eyes pin me with a stare.

“We talked about this, you are going through with it. Yet, you’re delaying. Why?”

Knocking back the contents of my glass, I debate my answer. I can’t tell him the whole truth. That’s Lara’s story to share when she’s ready.

But a half truth, that means he might keep an extra eye on her. That could work.

“I’m worried about leaving Lara.”

He frowns, pouring himself a glass.

“You’re always worried about her. We have extra protection in place. Nothing will happen to her while you’re away. Me and Nikolai can look out for our sister too. It’s not always just on you.”

I swallow hard.

None of us knew how dark it was for her. So really, did any of us do a good enough job?

“I’ll tell her tonight and then I’ll get it done. Okay?”

He nods, swirling the clear liquid.

“We will do everything we can to keep track of you. I don’t trust Tatiana. But for some reason, I trust your judgment. Don’t give me a reason to change my mind on that.” He pauses. “Donkey.”

I’ll never live Nikolai’s nickname down.

I bite back telling him to shut up. He is the boss after all.

“I’ll get it done. You look after—“ I rub my jaw, stopping myself from saying my girl.

“She’s lucky to have you, Alexei. You know, you don’t have to do this much for her. You have more than repaid your debt to us years ago. You aren’t just her bodyguard.”

“It’s more than that. She’s special to me.”

He flicks his gaze to the picture of the three of them on his desk from when he showed his face.

Back when he smiled.

Fuck. Did I say too much?

“I know. I appreciate your love for her. She needs you to come back in one piece. Remember that.”

He jabs his finger towards me. “No pulling stupid shit. You hear me? Behave. Use the brain I know is in there.”

I salute him with a smirk. “Me? Reckless? How dare you?”

An unease settles in my gut. Before I never realized what I had to lose if it goes wrong. All those times I risked my life, I didn’t think.

Now I know what it would do to Lara.

He gestures towards the door. “She’s in her office. Do it now.”

Heading down the hall I stop outside. The quicker I get this over with, the faster I can come home.

I don’t knock, I just walk in. She’s deep in conversation, her brows furrowed as she looks at her screen.

But as soon as she sees me, she smiles and gives me a little wave.

“Hi, baby.” I mouth, taking a seat opposite her.

She looks magnificent.

And now I’m picturing bending her over the desk.

Jesus Christ, Alexei. Not now.

What’s a few more hours anyway?