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“That’s what I wanted to show you,” he says. “I have a family, little one. So can you.” His eyes lock with mine, and an unnerving feeling ripples down my spine. “We protect our loved ones.”
Unable to keep the question, I ask, “Where were you when Alek and I were held in a dark room? Where were you when they tortured and killed Vincent?” All the dark emotions explode to the surface, and I level Alexei with a glare. “Where were you when Alek’s father put three bullets in me and left me for dead in a field.” I shake my head hard. “We were starved! We were tortured.” I step closer to him. “Where were you?”
My breaths race over my lips, all the memories creating chaos in my mind.
Alexei’s features soften, then he surprises me by saying, “I’m sorry, little one. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t know everything. I was never informed of the situation in Russia. Alek’s father chose to deal with the issue on his own.” There’s sincerity on his face as he continues, “But had I known, I would’ve flown to Russia and killed that fucker for daring to kidnap a bratva son. I would have slaughtered him for taking an innocent girl.”
Again chills race over my body. “I wish you had known.”
Cautiously, he lifts a hand and places it on my shoulder. Leaning closer, he promises, “You’re Alek’s family, little one. I won’t allow anyone to lay a finger on you and Vincent.” His expression becomes more serious. “Alek won’t allow it. He’s no longer a twenty-year-old boy. He’s been trained by the best. When he says he can protect you, trust him.”
Trust. That’s where the problem lies. I don’t think I have it in me to trust anyone.
To end the conversation, I take a step backward and say, “I need time.”
Alexei nods, but then he murmurs, “Alek’s unhinged. He’s not going to back down, little one. The more you tell him to leave, the harder he’ll fight to stay.”
Crap.
“What do I do?” I whisper.
“There’s nothing you can do.” Alexei tucks his phone back into his pocket. “Do you love Alek?”
“I’ll always love him. He’s the father of my child.”
“Then I suggest you spend some time together and get to know each other again. Give Alek a chance to prove himself to you.”
“I have to think of Vincent.”
Alexei nods. “Once word gets out that Alek has a son, his enemies will try to target the child. The only safe place for you is with us. You won’t make it on your own.”
Jesus.
My eyes widen, and I gape at the man. “So that’s it. I don’t get a choice in the matter?”
“You always have a choice, little one, but I suggest you make the right one.” He begins to walk to the doorway, then pauses to add, “There’s no one you’ll be safer with than Alek. The man loves you. He’ll do anything for you.”
Confused and frazzled by the intense conversation, I hurry to Vincent’s bedroom. He’s already tucked into bed, and Alek is sitting on the side of the mattress, reading our son a story.
I stop in the doorway and stare at the wholesome scene. I fold my arms around my middle and watch Alek closely.
The more I try to find the Alek I loved in that dark room, the less I see him in the man before me. It’s like they’re two different people.
My Alek was calm, no matter the situation. But this Alek doesn’t know the meaning of calm.
My Alek’s body was withered from starvation and bloody from torture. But this Alek looks strong and healthy.
I’ll have to get to know Alek all over again. I can’t just pick up where we left off.
I understand it’s not the same for him. Where I had Vincent to focus on and poured all my energy and love into our son, Alek remained stuck in the past.
I’ll be patient with him, but I can’t promise I’ll fall in love with the man he’s become.
Only time will tell what will happen.
Chapter 33
Alek
