Page 13 of Crimson Fate

“What?” she asks defensively. “I’m her best friend. Of course, I have a badge.”

“I didn’t say anything. But I am her brother.”

“You’re the one who insists on not making nice with her husband,” Eva argues, and I have no defense.

“Whatever. If they’re handing out badges to just anyone, there’s no way in hell Amelia is safe here.”

“Just anyone? First off, I’m not just anyone, and you know that. Second, it’s a visitor badge. It only works if they approve its use in advance. Nobody can access any of the upper floors without a security badge. She’s fine. You’ll have to accept that keeping your sister safe is not your job anymore. She has Alexei for that.”

Her words sting more than I believe she intended them to. “Yeah, well, even with all of my father’s security measures, he still ended up dead, murdered in his own home.”

Her eyes search mine, unwavering. “I’m sorry—But...” She hesitates before continuing. “That’s exactly my point. Security doesn’t guarantee safety. Your dad thought he was untouchable. Why not just appreciate that Alexei brings happiness to Amelia?”

“Alright,” I concede, swallowing hard as my stomach churns. “For Amelia, I’ll try to see the good in him. But don’t expect too much. I’m rarely wrong about people.”

Eva smiles. “Noted.”

As we ascend, I glimpse my reflection, the weight of my responsibilities etched into every line on my face. I wonder if Amelia will see the weight of my new responsibilities when she looks at me.

The elevator dings, and the doors slide open, revealing a pair of stern-faced security guards waiting for us. I clench my jaw as they fall in step beside Eva and me, their heavy footsteps echoing down the corridor. As we approach Alexei’s door, one of the guards holds up his hand.

“Ma’am, we need to pat you down,” he says gruffly, reaching for Eva’s purse.

“Here,” she says, handing it over with a resigned sigh. But before the guard can touch me, I snap.

“Fuck off,” I snarl. “I’m not coming in without protection. Nobody is touching my gun.”

“Vincent,” Eva murmurs, her eyes pleading for me to stay calm. But the anger simmers beneath my skin.

“They invite me here and expect me to walk in without any protection? Come on, we’re leaving,” I command, motioning to Eva.

“Sir, we have our orders,” the guard insists, but I don’t back down. We’re locked in a tense standoff when the door swings open, revealing Amelia.

“Vincent!” she exclaims, her eyes lighting up with joy. She throws her arms around my neck, momentarily defusing the tension. “I’ve missed you so much!”

“Amelia,” I say tightly, “they want my gun. I’m not coming in without it.”

She laughs, shaking her head at my stubbornness. Turning to the guard, she says, “He’s family, and family gets to carry.”

The guard starts to argue, but then Alexei appears behind Amelia. His voice is firm as he reminds the men, “She’s Mrs. Ivanov, and what she says goes.”

The guard falls silent, and I’m envious of the respect he commands. I desire the same from my men, but I can’t be sure it’s authentic. “Vincent! Welcome! I’m making risotto tonight. Amelia said it was your favorite.”

“Do you even know how to cook?” I retort skeptically, eyeing Alexei up and down.

“Vincent,” Eva chides softly, her expression pleading for me to play nice. “Be nice! It’s really thoughtful of them to do this. And besides, do I need to bring up your recent adventures with cooking?”

“What’s this about you cooking?” Amelia gasps in disbelief.

“Nothing,” I reply, eyeing Eva.

Alexei chuckles with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “It’s alright. I like a man with discerning taste. I may not be as skilled as your sister in the kitchen, but I like to think I won’t disappoint.”

I raise an eyebrow, still skeptical of his abilities. “We’ll see about that,” I say with a hint of challenge.

Amelia grabs Alexei’s arm as we move into the apartment decorated with sleek furniture and modern art pieces. “He’s being modest,” she announces. “His risotto rivals any I’ve had in the city.”

“Great,” I add flatly. “So why did you want us here tonight, anyway?”

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