Chapter 52
Chapter Fifty-Two
Alexei
My heart was in my throat as I watched her walk away. I told her everything. I wanted her to know me. I knew that was what was holding her back from falling, from letting herself fall. So I did what I needed to do. The stupidest thing I could have ever done but it was over with now. I couldn’t take it back. I wouldn’t try to take it back. If she so chose to, I wanted her to fall in love with all of me. I didn’t want the other shoe to drop later on. I wanted her to know everything up front and if she still wanted me after that… then that was all I needed.
I didn’t have a full staff like Ace did in his penthouse. Like tonight, I borrowed Georgie for dinner and dessert— that was sitting untouched in my fridge—, and sometimes I sent my clothes off. I was a tidy person, I could clean up behind myself and my cleaning lady didn’t come often. Georgie cleaned up the kitchen after herself so I carefully placed our plates and cups in the large stainless steel sink before I leaned against it.
Maybe it was stupid of me. I probably shouldn’t have told her everything, but I needed it on the table. She needed to know that I wasn’t my father’s lackey. That I really wasn’t much of his son either, to be honest. Looking back, it made no sense on why they had so many kids, but I knew better than to question my mother. She didn’t have anymore answers than anyone else. She was left in the dark most of all. I wanted nothing more for her to leave, but if she tried, I knew I would be putting her in an early grave. We all knew better. We didn’t cross Father, at least not openly.
With careful hands, I undressed my shoulder and cleaned the shallow wound. It was probably for the best Audrey left tonight. I wanted her so badly but I didn’t feel like I could be around her while looking like this. But she deserved the truth and I knew if I didn’t see her and kept this from her, I would lose her forever. I touched my face, where her lips pressed against my skin. Maybe I had lost her for good. It was the chance I was willing to take.
The knife wound was nothing. Right below it was a scar from when I’d taken a bullet for the first time. I was nineteen and I learned that night to be the best or I would die. I trained with all sorts of weapons, especially guns, to be the best if the time ever arose. I trained almost daily to keep my body healthy and in the best shape. I knew how to defend myself and how to take on attackers.
I hissed through my teeth as I poured alcohol over it and the seven stitches holding my skin together. This could have all been avoided but I needed my father off of my tail. I needed the guys to think I was gone or they would be back for more. It was better to lie low for a little bit. As carefully as I could, I wrapped my shoulder back up with a clean gauze and put myself to bed.
Are you thinking about me?
It was risky but it was the risk I was willing to take. She would be home by now if she went straight there.
Audrey
You wish.
A deep breath left me in a whoosh. She didn’t hate me.
I absolutely do. I wish you’d stayed.
Three little dots appeared and then disappeared. I waited five whole minutes before her message came through.
Audrey
What would have that accomplished? You’re injured and it’s been too long.
Pain shot through my crotch. How dare she play with fire like this? I could only handle so much and I’d stayed away this long.
Baby, don’t tempt me, I’ll be over in a few minutes if you keep that up.
I closed my eyes and palmed myself through my thin pants. I only had so much self-restraint.
Audrey
Don’t bother, I can take care of myself.
Show me.
A picture of a bright pink vibrating toy appeared almost instantly like she’d been waiting for me. I bit into my fist and threw myself back onto my pillows. She was going to kill me tonight.
That’s not what I was asking for.
Audrey
But it’s what you’re getting.
It was enough to send me over the edge. This woman was going to be the death of me.