Page 155 of Shifting Hearts 1
How can I even consider leaving her behind to stay with the man who has unexpectedly consumed my every thought?
Yes, he has given me more power than I have ever possessed, but he has also made it clear that he is only interested in me to gain the power needed to outsmart his enemies.
And I know deep down that I would never be worthy to be by the side of such a man. Alejandro is a formidable force, well-respected, and loved by his family.
I am the dirty little orphan who nobody wanted, who is just good enough to show her tits.
Letting go of the basin, I turn on the water in the shower. Already naked, I step underneath the spray before the water has heated up and hiss at the sudden coldness on my skin.
It is better this way.
Even if he gives me to the don, it will keep his family safe and garner some favor for him before he can launch his attack.
And then I have done my part.
There is nothing more he can expect from me if he is willing to give me over without blinking.
Alejandro joins me in the shower a second later, and I let the spray wash away any lingering tears.
“We’re going to have a big day today. Are you sure you are ready?”
I simply nod.
He wraps his arms around me and puts his head on my shoulder. “This’s not how I planned it, but it might be the best shot we have at getting the location of his base. If you want to see Alexi again, we have to go through with this. Unless you want to give me some time to work on a different plan?”
I can hear the hopeful tone in his voice, but one thing is clear. The longer I stay here, the more tempted I will be to leave my old life, including Alexi, behind. And I promised that little girl she would always be safe.
“No, this is even better than we could have hoped for. This way, my first time isn’t brutal and stolen, and I get to savesomeone I love. And you, of course, get the ammunition you need to protect your family.”
Even saying the words brings a lump in my throat, and I revel in the comfort his body against mine gives, for the last time.
His voice changes to sound gruff. “Fine. However, please take a moment to consider my thoughts. I will give you directions and you follow them to the letter.”
I nod again before I switch off the water and step out of the shower to get ready for the day.
It might be my last, but at least I have something to fight for now.
I get dressed and stroll to the kitchen to make us coffee and get a bite to eat. Who knows when I will see food again or what the don feeds his merchandise. I am chewing on a buttered roll and stuffing the other into my pocket when I hear Alejandro’s voice behind me. “Taking something for the road?
Picking up a cup, I pour a cup of coffee for him and hand it to him while I say, “Just thinking that maybe Alexi might be hungry.
He snorts. “One would think that a human trafficker could find himself something to eat while holding women and children hostage.”
It dawns on me that my withholding of the truth could have led him to believe that I was on the wrong side.
“Alexi isn’t…”
His hands shot up to stop me. “I don’t care. You made it clear that Alexi is the only reason you agreed to this arrangement. And that is fine with me. But don’t expect me to have any pity for your lover, who got himself involved with the worst scum on earth and expects you to put yourself in danger to come and save him. And make no mistake. Whatever this is between us means nothing. So, feel free to go to Alexi and live out how many daysyou have left with a cheating lowlife that maybe never even loved you in the first place.”
I lean with my hands on the island counter as he takes a seat on the other side. “You might not think this is relevant, but at least Alexi needs me. I am an orphan, and that alone proves that no one wanted me.”
He jumps from the chair, coffee spilling everywhere. “I want you.”
Taken aback, I grapple for words. “That isn’t…you said…what do you mean?”
He sits down calmly as if my whole world hasn’t been shaken. “It doesn’t matter. I will never be with a person who condones the actions of taking innocent women and children and selling them off like livestock. And I think you are a fool to think that you love this guy enough to ignore the fact that he would sell even you, in a heartbeat. Nevertheless, I got what I needed from you, and this is where our path diverges. I will take you to Alexi, but then I never want to hear from you again.”
Something cracks in my soul.
