Cold.
Numb?
A cool distance had been wedged between us. Because he didn’t rush in to hold us both. He wasn’t hurrying to console me or comfort me.
Standing apart, so different as he watched me silently, he confused me past the chaos of the night.
With just a look at his being so reserved and aloof, I couldn’t make sense of how I could feel safe again. Without his help. It was clear that he no longer wanted to take on the role of being my hero, staying out of reach.
I furrowed my brow as anger lit me up.
He promised to keep me safe, and he’d almost gotten me and his son killed.
How could you?
I believed in you!
I wanted to think that you meant it.
He couldn’t have cared for me if he almost got me taken.
“Kalina.” Gabriella raised her brows, prompting me to answer her. As she began to turn to see what I was staring at, Alexsei strode away.
“What would you like to do? Luka is prepared to arrange whatever would make you most comfortable. Raisa would be here to speak with you herself, since she’s closest in the family, but she’s on bed rest for a concern with her pregnancy at the moment. I realize I am but a stranger, but please, if you could let me know what you want, I will get it in action.”
I watched her as I held Misha.
“You can move into another property with more guards. You can stay here. Or you can?—”
“Stay,” Misha begged. “Please, Kalina. Don’t go.”
I sighed, knowing I wouldn’t dream of letting this boy down.
I couldn’t stomach facing Alexsei now, especially not when he walked away from me after one look like that.
If Misha wanted me for comfort, I would give him whatever I could. Because I’d spent far too many years dreaming of someone to comfort me when there was no one at all. I’d be damned if I paid it back like that.
“I will stay,” I told him.
Gabriella nodded and gave me a gentle and slightly hopeful smile.
“I will stay for now,” I told her.
The fantasy of a long-lasting happily-ever-after was once again out of my reach.
23
ALEXSEI
Ididn’t need to speak with Kalina.
I saw it all in her eyes.
She hated me.
She blamed me.
I had promised her safety and I had almost lost her. Unlike Misha, who still swore that I’d be the strongest man in the world who wouldalwayskeep him safe, she didn’t agree. Misha was more familiar with the chances of danger in our world, and even in the horrors of the night at the cabin, he had rolled with the punches. He’d risen to the challenge to help me get Kalina back to Luka’s mansion.
