Page 113 of Playing with Fire

"You sound certain."

"I am."

Algerone studied me with that calculating stare I recognized from my own reflection. "Then you're fortunate. Because until an hour ago, I would have said the same about Maxime."

The monitors beeped steadily, counting heartbeats in the silence that followed. I found myself wondering if Maxime had left the building or if he was sitting somewhere in this hospital, falling apart as his world collapsed around him. The thought brought no satisfaction.

"Xavier," Algerone said finally, his voice steadier now. "Lucky Losers is yours if you want it."

The offer hung in the air between us, unexpected despite the master password he'd given me at the warehouse. Having access was one thing. Ownership was another entirely.

"Why?"

"Because it's your birthright," he replied simply. "Because I built it for my legacy, and you and your siblings are that legacy, whether I knew it or not. Take it. Transform it. Burn it to the ground if that's what you want. But make the choice yourself, instead of having it made for you."

I considered the offer carefully, weighing implications and consequences with the precision that defined my hunts. Lucky Losers represented power, resources, a global network I could use to protect what was mine. It also represented entanglement with Algerone, complications I wasn't certain I wanted.

"No."

Algerone blinked, genuine surprise crossing his features. "No?"

"Not yet," I clarified. "I'll maintain the access you've granted, use the resources to clean up whatever remains of Phoenix's network. But I'm not ready to take over your empire."

"May I ask why?"

I thought of Leo, waiting for me back in that hospital room. Of how he'd walked through fire rather than let me face death alone. Of the life we might build together if we survived this.

"Because I need to figure out who I am without Phoenix hunting us first. Because taking Lucky Losers means becoming you, and I don't know if that's who I want to be."

Algerone absorbed this, something that might have been respect flickering across his face. "Fair enough. The offer remains open."

His gaze traveled to the door where Maxime had disappeared. "He'll be back, you know. Once my initial anger fades."

"You'd forgive that level of betrayal?"

"Forgiveness may not be possible," Algerone admitted. "But thirty-two years creates a bond that can't simply be severed, no matter how sharp the blade is ." His eyes found mine again, unreadable. "You'll understand someday, if you're lucky enough to build something lasting with Leo."

I looked directly at Algerone. "Maxime is suicidal."

Algerone's expression remained controlled, but something flickered in his eyes. "What?"

"Earlier, when we thought you were dead, I found him drunk in his suite. His entire façade had collapsed. He was a hollow shell, staring at nothing. He told me directly that without you, he had nothing left to live for. Asked me to put him out of his misery. I recognized that look. I've seen it before in people who've made their decision to die."

A muscle in Algerone's jaw twitched. "So?"

"So despite what he did, I'm guessing you don't actually want him dead." I kept my voice neutral, analytical. "I'll assign someone to watch him. As a professional precaution. Lucky Losers can't afford to lose both of you right now."

Algerone was silent for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then he gave a slight nod. "A reasonable security measure."

"He stays at Lucky Losers," I added. "The organization needs his expertise."

"I'm aware." His voice was cold, but I heard the complexity underneath. "Personal feelings aside, business must continue."

The thought of Leo waiting for me sent a pulse of possessiveness through me. "I need to get back to Leo."

Algerone nodded. "Go. We'll talk again when I'm discharged." He paused, then added, "And Xavier? Thank you. For coming back for me in that building."

The corridors were still eerily quiet as I made my way back toward my room. I passed a small waiting area and noticed a familiar figure hunched in a chair, staring at nothing. Maxime.

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