"I need a new driver and assistant. Competent people, not liabilities."
Kirill straightens, jaw tightening. "I will put in another request with my highest recommendation."
"Sometimes I wonder what being king is for if you can't make these decisions," I blurt out.
His face darkens. He mumbles, "Agree."
I glare at him a moment, then announce, "I'll see you later." I turn to leave.
"Valentina—"
"I said I'm fine," I snap, turning back.
He exhales long and slow, like he's trying to decide whether to chase after me or let me self-destruct for a night. But he doesn't move to stop me when I turn toward the door.
As soon as the elevator closes behind me, the weight of his concern crushes my lungs. The ride down stops at each floor, even though most are empty. Every second stretches thin, feeling more suffocating each time the gold doors open.
When I step outside, Vito is already holding the door open. Cassian sits in the front seat.
I slide into the backseat, and for the first time in a very long time, I don't know whether the car I'm sitting in belongs to allies or enemies.
"Home," I order.
Vito pulls into traffic. The Chicago skyline blurs past us. We turn onto Lakeshore Drive, headlights illuminating the dark water beside us. I rest a hand on my lap, and my rings graze my stomach. The dull sensation is a fresh reminder of my shame.
I get home, step inside my condo, and freeze.
Brax stands in the middle of my living room, hands in his pockets, shoulders tense. He pins the same eyes Kirill has on me.
My heart pounds harder.
Silence stretches between us like a wound.
I break it. "What are you doing here?"
He holds an envelope out. His sarcasm-laced voice states, "I'm supposed to give you this. Apparently, the Omni thinks I'm their personal errand boy."
"What's in it?" I ask.
He shrugs, jaw flexing. "No idea. They don't trust me with anything more complicated than door-to-door delivery."
"You have to earn trust," I remind him.
He grunts. New anger settles into his scowl.
"It'll get better," I offer in a softer tone.
Shock fills his expression. "How can you say that after all they did to you?"
My breath catches. I harden my expression. "Is there any other reason why you're still standing here?"
He studies me a moment, and my insides quiver. Then he shakes his head. "Nah. Don't worry, Minx. I'll get out of your way." He brushes past me.
"Brax—"
"I was there, too," he hisses, spinning back toward me.
I blink hard, taking short breaths. It doesn't calm me, so I close my eyes. My voice trembles. "We aren't talking about this."
