Page 51 of Imperfect Desires

“Because he loves her,” Scarlett repeats.

“That’s not an excuse.”

Scarlett’s eyes darken. “It’s not an excuse—but it’s a reason. Are you really going to punish him for that?”

“Yes,” I say coldly. “Because he shouldn’t have allowed himself to fall for her.”

Scarlett shakes her head slowly. “You mean like you fell for me?”

“That is different.”

“How? You mean I am fair play because I do not come from old Bratva money?”

Scarlett’s words rips something in me, but I’d be damned if I admit it.

“I’m angry because he made me look weak.”

“No.” Scarlett steps closer. “You’re angry because you lost him.”

My chest tightens.

“Lev was supposed to be loyal to me.”

“Lev is loyal to you. His loyalty is what has him fleeing from you and Alina.”

“That’s betrayal.”

“That’s life,” Scarlett snaps.

I glare at her.

Scarlett’s eyes flash dangerously. “You think you can control this. You think you can fix it by killing him. But all you’ll do is break Alina.”

My stomach clenches along with my heart.

Scarlett hesitates for a beat, then strides toward the door. “If you hunt Lev down and kill him,” she says quietly, “you’d better be ready to bury Alina next to him.”

The door shuts behind her with a soft click, and I sink back into the chair, my head tipping against the backrest.

Scarlett’s words echo through my mind as I reach for the glass of whiskey and drain it in one swallow. I have to think of another way to handle this mess. Scarlett is right, killing Lev will only destroy Alina.

The phone rings twice before Thiago’s voice cuts through the line.

"Viktor."

"Thiago."

"It’s been a while."

"Not long enough."

He chuckles, low and sharp. "You don’t usually call unless you need something."

"I have a proposal."

"I’m listening."

"An alliance."

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