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What the heck?
Vincenzo Salvini—Matt’s big brother, the resemblance uncanny—was to the left, his back against the wall, his hands at his sides, ready to draw his gun and dive for cover with Cristo and Uncle Craig by his side.
My father took one look at Alex holding my hand and zeroed right in. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Alex didn’t seem fazed by my father’s antics. He didn’t let go of my hand either. “Just catching your daughter before she cracks her head open by jumping out of a window.”
Father’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so?” His gaze slid to me.
My first instinct was to hide behind Alex, but it was time to step up.
Now, it was time to stand for what I wanted.
Finally.
“Come here, right now.” My father’s voice was laced with malice.
Alex stepped in front of me, blocking me from view.
I clutched at his coat, then sidestepped him, grabbed his hand again, and squeezed, standing tall right next to him.
Like hell, was I leaving his side.
But neither would I let him fight my battles.
“She’s not going anywhere,” Alex said softly, and I nodded, not trusting my voice enough.
My father’s face reddened, rage flickering in his eyes.
“You dare defy me, you brat?” He came around the desk and took a menacing step forward.
I didn’t move an inch.
“Try coming closer, and you’ll regret it,” Alex growled.
I trembled but stared at my father.
Alex gave my hand a gentle squeeze, letting me know I wasn’t alone anymore. I looked up at him. His eyes shone with pride but also held a lethal edge. He’d protect me with his life. No doubt about it.
I faced my father again, whose lips were twisted into an ugly mask. “You think you can keep her from me? She’s my daughter, she belongs to me, you fool.”
“She doesn’t belong to anyone,” I bit out. “Except myself. I’m not even your biological daughter. So what do you care?”
Alex straightened, and Uncle Craig took a step toward my father. “What the hell?”
“Zotov,” my father said, “our deal stands; she’s yours.”
I narrowed my eyes and glared at my father. I’d never hated him as much as I did right at this moment.
“Well,” Alex said, “for one it’s her choice to make. And if she chooses to stay by my side, there’s not a damn thing you or Zotov can do about it.”
Aside from killing him…which he’d tried before…and would be very, very bad. I sucked in a sharp breath when Alex glanced down at me, then gave me a peck on the lips.
Why was he provoking my father?
“Do you want to stay with me?” he asked softly.
I stared up at him, at the determination and love warring in his eyes. What was his intention with this? And yet, for whatever reason, I teared up. “More than anything.”
