Page 21 of Dark Obsession

He just shrugs, his smirk deepening. “Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the show.”

A few guards fall in line behind us as we near my room, and I can’t help but scoff. “I thought you guys said I wasn’t a prisoner, Alexei.”

He shrugs, that smirk never leaving his face. “It’s just a precaution. One night of peace of mind, that’s all. Relax, it’s a nice room. Take a bath or something, unwind. Call if you need anything.”

We stop in front of my door, and I can tell from the way his eyes flicker that he’s got something else on his mind. He’s holding back.

“Spit it out,” I say as I grab his arm, pulling him into the room with me. I slam the door behind us and cross my arms. “What’s going on in that devious head of yours?”

He leans against the wall, hands in his pockets, and raises an eyebrow, that knowing smirk widening. “You really want me to tell you?”

“Yes, Alexei,” I snap, growing more frustrated. “Now.”

He pushes off the wall, stepping closer. “You’ve got feelings for Grigori,” he says, his tone low and casual, like he’s discussing the weather. “And I already know Grigori is head over heels for you. It’s obvious.”

I freeze, my heart skipping a beat. Of all the things I expected him to say, thatdefinitely wasn’t it. “What are you talking about?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Don’t play dumb, Elena. I see things the others don’t. Luk, Lev, Yuri—they’re blind when it comes to this kind of stuff. But I pay attention. And I’m right, aren’t I?”

I’m stunned, completely caught off guard.

As I stand there processing what Alexei just said, I realize I shouldn’t be surprised he’s keyed in on all of this. Over the past year, Alexei and I have grown closer—something I never would’ve expected. Despite being raised without our biological father, Alexei is more like him than all of my brothers combined.

He’s sharp, always reading between the lines, always observing more than anyone else.

“I see things they don’t,” he says again. “You can lose the guards anytime you want, Elena. I know that. But I’m asking you to trust me now. I want to help you. Help youandGrigori.”

Touched by his devotion, I reach out and hug him, something I rarely do.

“Don’t let anyone see this,” he says, his voice teasing. “People might think I’m a loving and compassionate human being. It’ll ruin my reputation.”

I laugh, pulling back and shaking my head. “Your secret’s safe with me.”

He smirks, giving me a mock salute before turning toward the door. “Good night, Elena. Try not to get into any more trouble tonight.”

“Night, Alexei,” I call as he leaves the room, shutting the door behind him.

When I’m alone again, the weight of it all comes crashing down on me. How the hell am I supposed to help Grigori now? And more importantly, where is he? I can’t shake the worry gnawing at my insides.

I just hope wherever he is, he’s safe.

Chapter 10

Grigori

It’s the middle of the night and I’m sitting in my parked car just outside the mansion.

The engine’s off but my mind is running at full speed. What I’m about to do is not a good idea. There’s no denying it. Hell, I’ve told myself a dozen times to turn around and leave, but here I am, still sitting here.

I can’t help it.I need to see Elena again.

I’d shut down on her after last night, pushed her away like the sex meant nothing, but I’m not fooling myself.

I want her.

No, Ineedher, and I need her to know that. Just thinking about her makes me lose control, and maintaining control is the one thing I’ve spent my whole life perfecting.

The biggest problem I’m facing now is having to break into a damn Bratva fortress just to see her. The last thing I need is Luk, Lev, or Yuri catching me creeping around the place. If I waltz in through the front door, they’ll be all over me.

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