Page 62 of Sovereign Oaths

“You think?” I gasped. “They’re your people, Alessio. Your friends. Why aren’t you helping them? Why aren’t you checking to make sure they’re okay?”

“I needed to get to you first.”

I stepped back. “This isn’t okay. None of this is okay.”

“Millie.” He reached for me, but I twisted, avoiding him. “Amor, please.”

“No,” I snapped. “No.”

I closed my eyes and sucked in a breath, knowing what I had to say. “I love you, Alessio, but I can’t do this.”

He looked stricken as his mouth dropped open. “Don’t say that.”

“I don’t believe you anymore. You can’t keep me safe.”

That seemed to be a knife straight to his heart. A strike to his manhood.

“I’ve turned a blind eye to whatever it is you do, because I care about you, but you’re not just some normal businessman. You don’t just make dirty deals or use your power to manipulate others to get what you want. I’d be able to ignore that, but I could have died tonight! Ama nearly did! If the bullet had been even a few inches over, she would have been hit in the neck or chest.”

I let that sink in and watched his eyes dim. He couldn’t argue his way out of this.

“I can’t do this. I won’t. I’m not willing to risk my life to be with you.”

“Amor, no.” He moved so quickly, I didn’t have time to retreat before his arms were wrapped around me. “Tonight was bad. I know. I shouldn’t have escalated things. Please, please, don’t leave me.”

Derek shook his head, his eyes locked on mine and full of anger. “You have to stay,” he whispered just loud enough for me to hear.

Fuck him for being right.

But I wouldn’t make it easy for him either.

I closed my eyes and slammed my fists against Alessio’s chest. “I can’t.”

I had to put up a fight.

I had to make him beg and grovel.

Because in the end, I couldn’t walk away. Not yet.Rod hadn’t given the signal yet. Our teams needed more time. I was here to keep Alessio’s attention away from his business, keep him occupied while we destroyed him from the foundation up.

There was no sane woman who would stay with a man after this. Not after only being together for a few weeks. It didn’t make sense for me to put up with all of his shit, from Cuba to now, so I only had one thread to keep pulling on.

Love made people do crazy, stupid things.

It was the one weapon I needed him to use against me. The only thing that could convince me to stay.

“I’m so sorry. Millie, I swear to you, I’ll do better. I’ll do anything.”

Not good enough.

“Alessio, no.” I tried to step out of his arms, but he held me tighter.

“I love you, Millie. So much it makes me crazy. I’ll do anything to keep you safe. I saw him touch you, and everything went red. I never want you to get hurt. That’s what matters to me.”

Would any woman actually believe this shit?

I sincerely hoped not.

“I love you too, but––”

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