"Implied it."
"And you refused."
"Fucking with Adrian is fun, but I'm not about to blow up your family."
She's quiet again. "Even though it might be the smart play?"
The question catches me off guard. Because she's right. Strategically, Alexei's offer makes sense. I need backing. He can provide it. Adrian is unstable. I made him that way. But the thought of him anywhere near Gemma makes me want to commit violence. I have a reputation, and while it's earned, Alexei's is far worse, especially when it comes to women.
There's been talk for years about what he does to women, including his ex-wife, and while nothing has been proven, I'm not going to put Gemma in his crosshairs.
"Not everything is about strategy," I say finally.
"Since when?"
"Since now."
We ride the rest of the way in silence. When we reach the compound, I walk her to the bedroom. She starts to undress, and I watch her. Still too thin. Still mine.
"You'll be careful," she says. Not a question. A statement.
"Always."
"If Alexei knows, others might figure it out too." I watch as she swallows heavily. She's nervous. "He might have evidence."
"I know."
"Saint..." She turns to face me. "Maybe..."
"No."
"Adrian won't be a threat if you work with?—"
"Fuck Alexei. Your brother is a dick, but Alexei will kill him for territory." I move closer. "Can you live with that?"
"Yes," she says the words, but I can see the cloudiness of tears in her eyes.
"Liar." But I say it with something like affection. "You're angry, but you don't want your brother dead."
She studies me. "Do you?"
I notice she doesn't answer my question. Not fully.
"No," I say. Then, I shrug. "Well, not right now."
She nods slowly.
"This thing, you feeding me intel, it stops. Tonight."
She goes perfectly still. "What?"
"You heard me."
"Saint—"
I kiss her before she can argue. Hard. Claiming. She's frozen for a moment, then kisses back with something that feels like desperation.
When I pull away, her eyes are wide. Stunned.
