Page 48 of His Forbidden Alliance

“Fine. I’m maybe not so straight.”

“Jesus, he’s not the one to try that out with.”

“Probably not, but life doesn’t always make things easier.”

“Like when you got assigned to me.”

“Yeah, like that.”

“Are you still at his house? Were you there when his car blew up?”

“Yeah, I was going to ride to the casino with him.”

“You’re going to give me a heart attack for real this time. Who blew up his car?”

“I don’t know.”

“Zach.”

“I don’t. I was there, and none of them know.”

“None of them? How fucking many Theriots are you friends with now?”

“Only Rafael. I hid and listened while the others were there.”

“Jesus Christ. He could have brought you out for them to⁠—”

“No. He wouldn’t do that. He won’t risk his reputation with the family. He wants them to see him as someone important, not someone tricked by a fed. All of them assumed the bomb was set by Ivanov’s people.”

“Why would they kill Rafael if they’re trying to use him?”

“That’s what we’re confused about.”

“Figure it out, and don’t get in any deeper. You’re there to find Ivanov and bring him in, not to be sleeping with the enemy.”

“I’m working with the enemy to catch a bigger enemy. Don’t act like that’s not a typical government strategy.”

Maria sighed. “Take care of yourself. Physically and otherwise. You’re a fucking pain in the ass, but I don’t want you killed out there.”

“I’m watching my back.”

“Check in tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

I ended the call and realized Rafe had turned off the shower. A few moments later, he appeared in the kitchen doorway. Clearly, he could move around as silently as I could. Had he heard anything?

As soon as I saw the raw, ragged burn on his hand, I forgot about everything but the pain he must be in. “Come here. Let me re-bandage your hand.”

He frowned. “You don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. You need to keep it covered to prevent infection. Did you listen to anything the paramedics told you?”

“Um, not really.”

“Of course not.”

“I was a little preoccupied.”