“It’s because they don’t have enough clout to be important,” I tell her. “Or they didn’t, until we allied ourselves with them.”
London’s eyes move over my face. “What about your siblings? I overheard your sister the other day. She’s got a connection to one of the families, doesn’t she? You could use that.”
I release London. “What did she say?”
London frowns. “I wasn’t paying attention to the specifics—”
I growl. “Think long and hard.”
London sighs. “Why don’t you just ask her?”
I know Olivia isn’t going to bring me into the loop.
Not if she’s planning what I think she is.
I will not let her derail her life like this, not even if it means bringing an end to the war.
She’s worked too hard for too long to let things go sideways.
London’s expression softens as she reaches for me. “You should talk to her. I’m sure this whole thing can be sorted out.”
I stiffen as London takes my hand and tries to lace her fingers through mine. “Talking isn’t going to resolve anything.”
Not if Olivia has already set the wheels in motion.
Fucking hell.
How am I supposed to be everywhere at once?
I can’t keep tabs on my father, our enemies, and my siblings.
“You haven’t even tried,” London protests. “I’m sure if you hear her out, the two of you can figure out a way together.”
I yank my fingers back. “Olivia didn’t get herself out just to get sucked back in. I will not let her do this.”
“You can’t control everyone around you,” London says. “I know it comes from a good place, but people need to be able to make their own decisions.”
“Are we still talking about Olivia?”
London doesn’t say anything.
Olivia, I can deal with, but I can’t stand the look on London’s face.
It reminds me too much of the look my mother wore around my father, the kind that I later learned was one of hope, yearning, and heartbreak.
How far into my world can I drag London without shattering her?
How much of her will remain when all is said and done?
How many times will they go after her and her family before the horror of what she’s agreed to settles around her?
You can still send her away. You can still do the right thing.
But as I stand across from her, hungrily drinking her in, I know I won’t.
I’m too selfish to do the right thing and too far gone to be the man she deserves.
Several more moments pass in silence before I turn my back on London. I step behind my desk and ignore my throbbing leg. When I lower myself onto the leather chair, she crosses over to me and braces one arm on either side of the mahogany desk.
