Page 55 of His Forbidden Alliance

“So if you know the stakes, what the fuck are you doing here?”

“Ivanov took one of my informants. He… hurt him, then killed him afterward. He threw the body in an alley where I used to meet him. This is personal for me too.”

“Fuck. I’m sorry.”

I ran a hand through my hair and shook my head. “It’s… just don’t push me out.”

22

RAFE

My phone rang, and I glanced down. Xavier’s number flashed on the screen. Of all the fucking times to call me. I couldn’t ignore him though.

I looked up at Zach. “You’re in. Now, don’t make a sound while I take this call.”

“Hello. What’s wrong?”

“Does something have to be wrong for me to call?”

“Um… I assumed so.”

“One day, I’ll call just to talk and shock you. I have proof that Ivanov is back in the country.”

“Oh, shit. I guess you’ve already told Remington.”

“Actually, I called you first. If the casino is Ivanov’s way to get to your family, I thought you should have priority. Any new leads?”

I glanced at Zach, and he raised his brows, but I didn’t dare ask him the question. “Nothing concrete. A few suspects. You are going to call Remington next, right? Because I…”

“I thought you wanted to prove yourself.”

“I do, but⁠—”

“Then do it. My courier is bringing you more information about what I learned. When the time is right, you’ll tell the rest of your family what they need to know.”

Was he serious? “Why are you…”

“Why do I trust you?”

“Yeah.”

“You’ve never given me a reason not to.” He said like it was so fucking obvious.

“But my brothers⁠—”

“Are your older brothers, and Remington is not good at delegating.”

“He’s better than he used to be.” Why was I defending him?

Xavier chuckled. “He’s got to delegate some things, or he wouldn’t be able to spend time with Henri. That would be unacceptable.”

I smiled. My cousin could be cruel. He didn’t trust easily, and he wanted to be in control all the time, but he was so in love with his boyfriend. It was actually kind of cute.

“Watch your back now more than ever. Have you been taking my advice?”

I froze for a second before I forced out my lie. “Yes, sir.”

“Hmm. That’s exactly what I thought would happen.”