Page 28 of Unspoken

LOGAN

The memory of Sasha licking the grease and salsa from his long, slender fingers flashes through my mind as I drive us back to Vlad's estate. Watching him devour those messy tacos with boyish zeal, chatting between mouthfuls, I almost forgot that he was a Solovey, mafia royalty. In that taco truck lot, he seemed like any other guy in his early twenties, carefree and ready for the next adventure.

But reality has a way of rearing its ugly head when you least expect it. The more I learn about Alexander Solovey, the more I realize his life is anything but carefree. It's a constant struggle to survive, and nowhere is safe, probably not even in his own home.

And a piercing realization penetrates my mind—some parts of me yearn to guard him from this storm.

I shake my head slightly, hands tightening on the wheel.

Can't let my guard down.

No matter how cute Sasha was twenty minutes ago, how human, he’s still Solovey.

"Hey, Logan! You mind pulling over at the retail park." Sasha's voice cuts into my thoughts, his accent crisp with urgency. He points to a shopping center coming up on the right.

I scoff. "What, so you can try and run again? Think I'm dumb, do you?"

"No, I promise I won't run off this time. Cross my heart." He makes an exaggerated crossing motion over his chest. "I only need to pop in and grab one thing. I'll be quick as a bunny, in and out. Pretty please?"

I let out a long sigh through my nose. Damn, this kid and his wheedling. How come I let it get to me? Plus those imploring green eyes and his bottom lip jutting out in an absurd pout.

"Fine," I grumble, flicking on the turn signal. "But any funny business and I'll cuff you to the steering wheel, capiche?"

"Sounds kinky." Sasha winks cheekily.

I can't believe what I just heard. Did he really say that to me? As someone who’s been single for far too long, I try not to overanalyze things like this. But it's hard not to be reminded of my dry spell when a young guy as handsome as Sasha makes a sexual joke. It just adds insult to injury.

"It’s a joke, you old fool," he supplies all of a sudden, perhaps not seeing a reaction he expected.

I can't fully suppress the twitch at the corner of my mouth. Little shit. "Who are you calling old?"

"You."

"Thirty-three is not old. Get that into your head. It’s the best age ever." Now I’m bullshitting.

"I’ll believe it when I see it."

I pull into the parking, as close to the entrance as I can. A twinge of unease prickles the base of my skull while I sweep the area, cataloging every car, pillar, and pedestrian. Can never be too careful in this line of work. Especially with precious cargo like a Solovey in tow.

"I’ll be right back," Sasha says climbing out of the vehicle. "You don’t need to tag along."

"I don’t think it’s a good idea," I try to argue.

"I literally need to buy some bloody underwear," he hisses out. "Don’t want you to breathe down my neck while I’m picking my knickers."

My instincts bristle with warning. I debate insisting on accompanying Sasha inside. But as I glance over at his eager, trusting face, I swallow the command. He seems lighter than I've ever seen him, an almost giddy energy thrumming through his limbs. How can I snatch away this small joy? Besides, he's been behaving lately.Mostly. With a terse nod, I motion for him to go. "Okay. But make it quick and keep your phone on you at all times."

He runs off without saying anything. And as a lithe figure disappears through the sliding doors, I send up a silent prayer I won't regret this momentary softness. In my world, it's the small mistakes that often cut deepest. And I’ve been making a whole lot of them with Sasha lately.

The digital clock on the dash ticks over another minute, each second ratcheting my anxiety higher. It's been too long.

No one takes thirty minutes to buy some boxers. Right?

Scenarios flash through my mind—Sasha slipping out a back exit, Sasha held at gunpoint by an unknown assailant, Sasha bleeding out on the expensive marbled floor of some dressing room...

Get it together, McKenna.

No, fuck this.

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