Alexei's grip is firm. Cold. "I'll be in touch. Don't come here again—too risky. I'll send someone to you."
"How will they find me?"
"I'll figure it out. I'm very good at finding things I want." He releases my hand. "One more thing."
"What?"
"Saint's going to find out eventually. You know that, right?"
My eyes narrow. "You said you'd keep it quiet?—"
"I will. But you're not as subtle as you think. And Saint's not stupid. When he figures it out..." Alexei shrugs. "Well. That's between you two."
I swallow hard. "I can handle Saint."
"Can you?" He tilts his head. "Because from where I'm standing, you're playing a very dangerous game. And I'm not sure you understand the stakes."
"I understand perfectly."
"Saint Marini is a lot of things, but forgiving isn't one of them. When he finds out his wife went behind his back to make deals with me..." He smiles. "I almost feel bad for you. Almost."
"I'll deal with it when it happens."
"Brave. Or stupid. I haven't decided which." He moves toward the door, opens it. "Igor will escort you out. And Gemma?"
I turn back.
"Welcome to the game. Try not to die."
Igor escorts me to the back exit. Different from where I came in. Smarter.
As he opens the door, I glance back one last time.
Alexei is watching me go, and there's something in his expression that makes my stomach twist.
Not the amused smile he gave me during our negotiation.
Something colder. More satisfied.
Like a hunter watching prey walk into a trap.
But when he notices me looking, the expression vanishes, replaced by his easy smile.
I step out into the alley, and Igor closes the door behind me.
I check my watch. Forty-five minutes since I left campus. Shit.
I take the subway back, every minute feeling like an hour. When I get to Butler Library, Heather is at a study table on the third floor. She hands me my phone without a word.
"Thanks."
"You okay?" She looks concerned. "You're shaking."
"I'm fine." I check my phone. Three missed calls from Emmanuel. Two texts:
"Where are you?"
"Mrs. Marini, Sera's guards say she's not meeting anyone today. Please respond immediately."
