Chapter 116

I throw my hands in the air in exasperation, and Alexi gives me a dark look that cools my jets instantly. A hint of hurt, and I know I insulted him in some vague way. I guess he considers me his family now, but that’s not what I meant.

“I have to meet her, sit down and see if there’s another way I can eradicate the issue. It’s not ideal, but it will buy me time and maybe your safety if we can come to some sort of…”

I don’t even let him finish his sentence. Snapping aggressively.

“Oh, my fucking God, are you kidding me? This woman tried to kill me… TWICE. Fucking TWICE, Alexi! And you’re going to sit down with her and have a little chat over coffee? Really? Is that all I’m worth to you?” The rage erupting in me is not aimed at him because I know how rooted in tradition and rules his family are, and his hands are tied. I’m venting, upset, being unfair, but it’s frustrating as hell when he knows the way to fix this, and he can’t do it.

“You think this is what I