25. Lexi #2
“Did he hurt you?” Robyn asks, her concern evident as she instinctively covers her mouth, searching my gaze for answers.
I need to share my story about that night, a secret I’ve been carrying for six long months. The weight of this burden is exhausting, and I can’t hold it in any longer. I want to release this pain so we can finally move forward and start living again.
I pull my eyes away from them, unable to look at them. “They forced me to my knees, and Petrov rubbed himself on my face,” I say, my voice hollow as I force myself to remember every detail of that moment.
Tears well up in Lacey’s eyes—genuine tears, not the phony ones we sometimes use to sway men to get our way. I actually can’t remember the last time I’ve seen her cry.
“He was interrupted when the maintenance man knocked on the door,” I say softly.
A tear drops down Robyn’s cheek, tracing a course all the way to her chin. “We’re so sorry, Lexi. We were so caught up in Ruby that we never questioned if something had happened to you that night as well,” her words stumble out, as if stuck in her throat.
Lacey approaches me, arms outstretched for a hug, dropping down on the couch next to me.
I lean into her chest for a brief moment, then gently push her away.
What I need isn’t their sympathy. It’s their understanding of why I’m with Valentin.
He’s the only one who has made me feel safe since I arrived in New York.
“I need this to end,” I say, my voice weary. “It’s time for us to move on.”
After a tense silence, Lacey poses the question I’ve been dreading she would ask. “Why did Petrov go after you?”
“He knows who I am.”
“This is because of Elise,” Lacey emphasizes, but she’s not saying I told you so.
We understood that as my sister’s power grew, the threat of anyone uncovering my true identity would put my life at grave risk.
I am Elise Savin’s younger sister, and my connection to her makes me a target for ruthless men who want her dead.
Being the sister of the most powerful woman in organized crime, she created a new identity for my protection, yet somehow, Petrov managed to figure it out.
Robyn offers a rehearsed smile that fails to reach her eyes—it’s hollow, seemingly meant to reassure me, even though everything is clearly falling apart. “What he did was wrong, and that’s all that matters.”
Her gaze darts nervously toward Lacey. “We need to keep a close eye on Ruby.”
“Isn’t she at the warehouse?” I ask.
Robyn glances at Lacey, who nods. “She’s been sneaking out.”
“Are you serious?” I yell. We can’t risk Ruby getting into more trouble with Petrov on the loose.
“Do you really think we can stop her?” Robyn responds. “You’ve been gone, and you’re the only one she actually listens to.”
“We need to find Petrov,” Lacey declares. “But how?”
“I’m going to tell Valentin everything.”
“You can’t,” Lacey warns, then laughs as if she’s shocked that I could be so dumb. “He might be in on it. You said that yourself.”
“He isn’t,” I stammer all too hurriedly, my heart hammering against my ribs at the thought.
“How can you be so sure?” Robyn argues, shaking her head.
“Because he loves me!” My voice breaks slightly. Each word spills out with desperation, emphasizing the weight of what I’ve just said.
“Did he say that? He actually said those words to you?” Lacey’s words are cold and sharp.
“Not exactly, but I know he does.”
I can tell he loves me by his dark eyes that melt into mine, his soft touch that makes the world disappear, and the way he says my name as if I’m the only woman in the world.
Lacey keeps picking on me. “And what if the Savins are in on it? Would he choose you over them?”
That thought terrifies me because deep down, the truth is blatantly obvious. He would choose them.
“Lexi, you need to wake up! You’re letting the Brigadier cloud your judgment,” Lacey warns me firmly. “This isn’t like you.”
Something flickers in Robyn’s eyes—concern, maybe even understanding. “I see why you’ve fallen for the Brigadier. He’s powerful and wealthy. And I admit, he’s sexy as hell. But trusting him is a mistake, Lexi. He’s still the bad guy.”
The room feels suddenly stifling, and my heart thunders in my ears. I don’t care to listen to this! It’s obvious they don’t understand him.
Valentin will take care of Petrov for me. I know he will. “You don’t know him as I do. He’ll help us.”
Lacey holds her silence, her unreadable eyes still fixed on me.
“I hope you’re right, Lexi. Because if you’re not, this is going to get a lot worse,” Robyn says, her voice wavering.
“He will take care of Petrov,” I promise, running from the office.
I clutch my purse tightly, glancing back at the girls tailing me, hoping they realize I’m right before I reach the door. Lev notices my tears and swiftly draws his weapon, positioning himself protectively by my side. “Is everything okay?” he asks, eyeing the girls who are pursuing me.
“Please, take me home,” I plead, pressing the purse against my chest.
Lev raises his arm between the girls and me, his glare unwavering. He’s here to protect me because Valentin has commanded it. Because Valentin loves me. When I get home, I’ll tell him everything—who I am and what Petrov did to me.
Valentin will keep me safe.