Page 146 of A Dangerous Proposal

“Tell me.” Alex kept his stance relaxed, even though his instinct told him something bad was coming.

“I need you to join me for a meeting with the Albanians.”

The lastmeetingAlex had attended with Mikhail and the Albanians, twelve years ago, had ended with a pile of dead bodies.

“It’s a delicate situation.” Mikhail said, his tone casual. “The Albanians are… let’s say… a bit restless after my intervention regarding Declan Bloom.”

Alex’s jaw tightened. He hadn’t forgotten what happened with Declan or what he owed Mikhail for it. The attempt on his friend’s life had forced Alex to ask his brother to intervene.

“They trust you.” Mikhail spread his hands. “You’ve got that lovelycleanreputation. So many years spent in the legitimate world. They’ll feel safer with you there.”

Alex didn’t believe it for a second. This was Mikhail flexing his power over him.

“You don’t need me for this.”

“I do.” The words cracked like a whip in the room. “Because it’s not just about the Albanians. It’s about reminding everyone who we are. After those articles, this bullshit with Armstrong… You’re my brother. They need to see us standing together.”

Alex refrained from reminding his brother that it had been his own decisions that led to this.

The air in the room grew heavy. This wasn’t a request. It was an order and everyone knew it.

“And if it goes sideways?”

Mikhail’s grin widened. “Then we’ll do what we always do—fight or die.”

Alex’s mind raced, weighing his options—but there were none.

“When?”

Mikhail gave him a slow smile and made a show of looking at his watch. “Now.”

The phone rang twice before Madison picked up. “I’m making dinner. You coming home soon?”

Alex glanced at the warehouse district they were passing through, his jaw flexing. “No. Something’s come up.”

A pause. “What kind of something?”

“My brother needs me at a meeting.”

The silence on her end stretched for a beat.

“Alex.” He hated the worry in her voice.

“Everything is fine, but I’ll be late.”

“Liar.” He didn’t respond, and he heard her sigh. Then in a quiet voice. “I love you. Come home to me, Charming.”

“Kiss Jax for me, Angel.”

Alex exhaled, slipping his phone into his pocket. His eyes flicked to Liev, who sat next to him, expression unreadable.

Liev cut the engine as they rolled to a stop outside the warehouse behind Mikhail’s SUV.

“Want me inside?”

“No. Stay out here,” Alex said, reaching for the door.

Liev hesitated. “You think Mikhail might set you up?”

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