Page 88 of Thorns of Desire

She lowered her eyes in remorse, but I knew better. The conniving woman didn’t possess a conscience.

“I bribed them,” she admitted, tears magically appearing. She was an excellent actor, I’d give her that. “I had to see you again.”

“No, what you need to do is find that child and apologize for using her.”

Her eyes widened. “She’s nobody.”

My molars ground so hard, I was surprised they didn’t crack.

“That alone tells me so much about you, Alexandra,” I gritted. “Besides, with a voice like that, that girl is somebody.”

“You can’t do that to me; discard me like I’m nothing,” she screeched.

I sighed. “I’m not doing anything to you. In fact, I’d prefer never to see you again.”

She started crying, throwing theatrics and looking so pitiful that it almost made me feel sorry for her. Almost.

Gripping the cool metal handle, I opened the door. “You’re a real piece of work. A fucking bastard. Just like the rest of them,” she spat.

I scoffed. “Maybe, but let me ask you.” Glancing over my shoulder, I continued. “Where did that girl end up?”

She blinked, quiet for a moment before she found words.

“I don’t know. Why does it matter?”

“Men might be bastards, Alexandra, but you’re no better. You use and discard.”

Then I walked out and shut the door on her forever.

“My daughter isn’t right for you,” she hissed, her fury bringing me back to the present. I disliked her then, but now I hated her, because I knew the girl she used was herown daughter. Because she left her child alone and vulnerable while she went around seducing men. And Athena, who looked for the best in people, was loyal to a woman who didn’t deserve her grace. I doubted Athena even knew the extent of her mother’s toxicity.

I let out a sardonic breath. “Impossible.”

Her eyes flared. “Why?”

“Because she’s the onlyrightandgoodthing in my life,” I said, feeling the truth reverberate down to my marrow.

“You don’t know what you’re doing, Manuel,” she hissed, straightening up on the bed. “You can’t even begin to fathom the repercussions of marrying her.”

She broached the subject, so I seized the moment. Athena might have escaped the Triads’ wrath twice now, but unless I knew what I was up against, she’d remain in danger.

“You mean the fact that she’s Atticus Popov’s daughter,” I said casually, reveling in the way Alexandra’s eyes widened. “Or that the Triads are after her?”

She glared at me. “How do you know any of that?”

“I’ve done my homework,” I deadpanned.

Understanding gleamed in her eyes. “And you think you can use her birthright and the Popov name to your advantage.”

I took a step forward, hovering over her like a dark cloud. “Listen here, Alexandra. Nobody will be using Athena foranything,” I said, warning clear in my tone. “That includes you.Capisce?”

Her smile was oily. “How could I possibly use my own daughter?”

“Why are the Triads after her?”

She sprung up, scoffing dismissively. “Why would they care about her?”

“Because of what you and Atticus did.” I was speculating, but I had a hunch she wouldn’t call my bluff.