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I catch the paper and read the four names aloud. Four chemists who could have some involvement in Arthur’s activities. “This is perfect, thank you.”
When I head toward the door, Adrian enters before I make it. Alexei follows close behind him. Since they are in my way, I have to stand there and wait.
Adrian gives me a once-over and then waves Alexei up to stand beside him. “I want you to take him with you, Ivan. He can help, and you need an extra hand. Either for security or running around doing whatever you don’t need to be seen doing.”
I bite the inside of my lip until I taste blood, so I don’t let my anger get the better of me. “Fine, but he takes orders from me, not you, and not Kai.”
Alexei smiles, a dimple digging deep into each cheek. He looks like a fucking walking Abercrombie and Fitch ad. In a suit. A prep in a fucking suit. “Just don’t smile so much, and make sure you’re ready when I am. What about Andrea? Will she be okay?”
The smile slips off Alexei’s face real quick. “She’s fine, and if she hears you asking after her like she can’t take care of herself, then she’s going to kick your ass, and I’ll enjoy watching it.”
I give him one last glare, ignoring Adrian since I don’t want to get pummeled today, and walk out.
But Kai chases after me when I’m not two feet out the door, leaving all four of us in the middle of the damn hall. Any of the women could hear us out here. “For fuck’s sake, if you have more to say, at least go back into the command center where no one can walk by and overhear us.”
It takes a second for us all to shuffle back inside. Alexei hangs back out of all our way. I glare at Kai. “Did you need something else?”
Kai drags his gaze from Adrian’s to mine. “I know you went to see Eric. We want to keep this as low-key as possible.”
Heat erupts in my belly, forcing me to clench my fists to calm the hell down. “I’m aware of our current difficulties and what we should and shouldn’t be involved in at the moment. Thank you for the reminder.” I grit my teeth the entire time I speak.
“Watch your tone,” Adrian snaps. “He’s only trying to keep all of us safe. We know the council likes to attack when it gets cornered. It’s only a matter of time before it comes at us, and I don’t intend to be in the crosshairs. Hell, I don’t want Valentina and our child anywhere near that fucking mess.”
He’s right to remind me that this isn’t a fight that stays with me. Once one of us gets involved in something, all of us are. Everyone needs to do what they can to make sure Valentina stays safe.
Some of my anger fades, and I nod. “I’m sorry. I get it, and I know. I’m not trying to be a massive dickhole here, but I’m having a hard time thinking about what they did to me and what they’ve done to her.”
None of them need me to clarify that I mean Cilla. She’s the person who has lived with Arthur her entire life. The fact that she kept herself alive all this time means she’s the strongest person I’ve ever met. I intend to make sure she stays safe too. But at what cost? Would I give up Adrian or Val’s safety to make that happen?
A week ago, I’d have gutted someone for even suggesting it. Now, after knowing the warmth of her arms. After feeling her compassion, I’m not so sure.
I hang my head, my shame no doubt apparent in my eyes if I look at my friends. “I need to go check on her. Make sure she’s okay after last night.”
Kai nudges me with his elbow. “What? Did you wear out your new bride already? You have to give her some time to adjust.”
He’s trying to break the tension, and it works. I hammer him back with my fist in his ribs. He doubles over and then shoves me away.
Adrian sighs. “Children. We were discussing an important topic. You can save the grab ass for later. Get back to business.”
He’s right. I sober and put a little more distance between all of us. “I’m sorry. I’ll be sure that nothing comes back on our family.”
It’s enough for Adrian by the nod he gives me. Kai matches it. Then Alexei comes around and heads out the door before me. “I’ll wait for you to text me that you need something. But if I don’t hear from you at least once a day, I’ll assume the worst and go into full guerilla mode.”
I shove his shoulder hard enough to send him off balance. “Do you even know what that word means?”
