Page 76 of Daddy Brigadier

Robyn glances at Lacey, who nods. “She’s been sneaking out.”

“Are you serious?” I yell. We can’t risk Ruby getting into more trouble with Petrov on the loose.

“Do you really think we can stop her?” Robyn responds. “You’ve been gone, and you’re the only one she actually listens to.”

“We need to find Petrov,” Lacey declares. “But how?”

“I’m going to tell Valentin everything.”

“You can’t,” Lacey warns, then laughs as if she’s shocked that I could be so dumb. “He might be in on it. You said that yourself.”

“He isn’t,” I stammer all too hurriedly, my heart hammering against my ribs at the thought.

“How can you be so sure?” Robyn argues, shaking her head.

“Because he loves me!” My voice breaks slightly. Each word spills out with desperation, emphasizing the weight of what I’ve just said.

“Did he say that? He actually said those words to you?” Lacey’s words are cold and sharp.

“Not exactly, but I know he does.”

I can tell he loves me by his dark eyes that melt into mine, his soft touch that makes the world disappear, and the way he says my name as if I’m the only woman in the world.

Lacey keeps picking on me. “And what if the Savins are in on it? Would he choose you over them?”

That thought terrifies me because deep down, the truth is blatantly obvious. He would choose them.

“Lexi, you need to wake up! You’re letting the Brigadier cloud your judgment,” Lacey warns me firmly. “This isn’t like you.”

Something flickers in Robyn’s eyes—concern, maybe even understanding. “I see why you’ve fallen for the Brigadier. He’s powerful and wealthy. And I admit, he’s sexy as hell. But trusting him is a mistake, Lexi. He’s still the bad guy.”

The room feels suddenly stifling, and my heart thunders in my ears. I don’t care to listen to this! It’s obvious they don’t understand him.

Valentin will take care of Petrov for me. I know he will. “You don’t know him as I do. He’ll help us.”

Lacey holds her silence, her unreadable eyes still fixed on me.

“I hope you’re right, Lexi. Because if you’re not, this is going to get a lot worse,” Robyn says, her voice wavering.

“He will take care of Petrov,” I promise, running from the office.

I clutch my purse tightly, glancing back at the girls tailing me, hoping they realize I’m right before I reach the door. Lev notices my tears and swiftly draws his weapon, positioning himself protectively by my side. “Is everything okay?” he asks, eyeing the girls who are pursuing me.

“Please, take me home,” I plead, pressing the purse against my chest.

Lev raises his arm between the girls and me, his glare unwavering. He’s here to protect me because Valentin has commanded it. Because Valentin loves me. When I get home, I’ll tell him everything—who I am and what Petrov did to me.

Valentin will keep me safe.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

VALENTIN

My fingers tap a steady beat against the wooden table, a sign of my impatience rather than any nervousness, as I wait for the Pakhan to accept my retirement terms. “Are you sure about this?” Andrei asks, his eyes glaring into mine with uncertainty.

I’ve decided to step down from the Coalition, but only if he grants me the freedom to make my exit in accordance with the proposal I just gave him, because there’s no other option. “I’m sure.”

Andrei nods to me, lips pressed into a grim line.