Page 29 of Crimson Flames

She shakes her head. “He just wants to talk.”

Alexi has never been one that I have fully connected with. He has some mental health issues I don’t understand, but he has never been mean to me. Even when he had every right to be back on the island.

I know Evie wouldn’t ask this of me unless she believed it would help one or both of us, so I relent.

“Okay.”

Laney hops off the bed before carefully leaning down and planting a kiss on my head. “We’ll be right outside with your men.”

Evie squeezes my hand before they both leave. I hear low murmurs in the hall before Alexi comes in. He’s in a three piece suit with his hair perfectly slicked back, just like normal. But what I’m not expecting to see are the tears rimming his eyes. This is a man I would have put a million dollars on never seeing him cry.

“Nessa,” he clears his throat, but it only makes mine feel tight.

I nod, unable to say anything at the moment.

“I know you and I are not close, but I want you to know how sorry I am for failing to protect you and your child from harm.”

What?

I thought for sure he was going to be the one upset with me.

“Alexi, it was never your job to protect me.”

He scoffs, turning to the side. I can practically feel his body rippling with emotion.

“It was my job to protect my child. If anyone has failed here, it’s me.”

He turns around so swiftly that I almost flinch.

“Do not say that.” He looks so much like his father as he comes to the side of the bed, but what shocks me the most is that he kneels beside me. This man who hates wrinkles and dirt actually kneels on the hospital floor for me.

His elbows rest on the bed, his face twisting with emotions. I’ve never seen him like this, and I have no idea what to do, so I just do what feels right. I take his hand in mine and gently place it over my stomach.

I haven’t even let the guys touch me here, but this feels necessary. When Alexi’s glassy blue gaze connects with mine, I can’t help but let the tears fall.

“If this taught me anything,” my voice stutters, “it’s that we can’t protect everyone. No matter how much we hope for it, no matter how hard we try. We can’t protect them all.”

My hands shake as my breathing becomes erratic. Alexi stands and leans over, pulling me into a hug. The only person I have ever seen him hug is Evie. Something about this action feels monumental.

“You are important to me,” he says before clearing his throat. “I know I do not always know how to show that like others, but please know that you matter to me. If my father ever does anything to hurt you again, I will personally kick his ass.”

I chuckle even though it hurts and hug him back just as tightly as he hugs me. Maybe even a little more so.

When Alexi finally takes a step away, I feel drained. But knowing that I still have my family makes the tunnel I’m in feel a little less dark.

“You need rest,” Alexi says plainly. I nod because I feel like utter shite.

“I will tell the guys they can come in.”

Before I can stop him, he is out the door. Less than a minute later, both of my men are stepping inside. Cillian gets in the bedwith me, and I snuggle close to him, inhaling his sunshine scent like a lifeline.

Boris sits in the chair beside us, the distance he created so large I can physically feel it. Even though I’m angry with him, I reach out my hand and he takes it.

I can save my wrath for another day. Right now, I just need them both here.

But it’s not until Kai walks in and sits on the couch that I feel like everything’s going to be okay. He gives me a half hearted smile, and I return the gesture. I am not okay right now, and no one expects me to be. So, I let the feelings run their course and hope that maybe tomorrow everything won’t feel so damn broken.

Chapter 11

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