Page 26 of Corrupted Empire

I wonder what ‘truth’ Felicity thinks she can use to destroy me. And why me? Why not Gabriel?

“I’m so sorry I got you involved in all this.” My voice hitches, and hot tears gather in my eyes. “This is all my fault.”

“No, it’s not.” Clara pushes me back, skewering me with her emerald gaze. “This is Gabriel’s fault. He is the one at war with the Cartel. He is the reason you’re in danger. The reason I’m in danger.” She glances over her shoulder at Angelo and lowers her voice so he won’t overhear. “This is all too dangerous, Alexis. Do you really want to bring the little bean in your belly into this world? Do you want Harry to grow up with a security detail around him at all times in case someone tries to shoot him?”

I wipe away a tear, and Clara’s mouth crumples as she starts to cry too.

“Babe, I’m always going to be here for you.” Clara reaches forward, brushing away a tear as it rolls down my cheek. It feels odd to be comforted by someone who has clearly just undergone days of torture. “But you need to think about ending things with Gabriel before it’s too late.”

I swallow and sniff.

“How are you so calm right now?” I ask, trying to change the subject.

Clara finishes off the sandwich, chewing thoughtfully. “I’ve been to hell and back a few times,” she replies. “There’s not much that woman could do to me that I haven’t already done to myself.”

I can tell she’s not as unscathed as she would have me believe, but I suspect it’s going to be some time before she lets all that pain in. I only hope she doesn’t turn to drugs again when she does.

Angelo steps forward. “The doctor is here,” he says. “We are going to take Clara next door to get checked out, then she will need to get some rest.”

I have long suspected that the apartments on both sides and across the hall are owned by Gabriel and occupied by his staff. Now I have confirmation.

“I’ll come,” I say, hoisting myself up from the couch.

Angelo shakes his head. “No. You have to stay here.”

“Then she stays too.” I frown and fold my arms, glaring at him.

He shakes his head and smiles apologetically. “Sorry. Boss’ orders.”

“If he wants to separate us, he needs to explain why himself,” I demand. “I’m so goddamn tired of him passing down bullshit orders without having the balls to actually speak to me.”

Clara nods approvingly, mirroring my stance and glare.

“I don’t think he will go for that,” Angelo replies.

“Can you at least try?”

He sighs, running a hand through his thick brown hair. “Yeah, okay. But only if this one comes with me willingly. I’ve heard she can put up quite a fight.”

Clara grins wickedly.

Angelo guides Clara out of the apartment, and ten minutes later, he returns, holding a cell phone, a pinched expression on his face. Obviously, Gabriel isn’t happy about me demanding to speak to him, which carves a toothed edge into my gratitude.

Angelo passes me the phone.

“Thank you,” I say, and bring the phone to my ear.

My heart is racing. I haven’t talked to Gabriel in nearly two months. Sure, I’ve spoken to him through the cameras, but I can never be sure that he’s actually listening. My stomach does a flip, and my mouth dries.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. I have no idea what to say.

“It’s not like you to be quiet,” comes his smooth, low voice. The sound of it sends a pleasurable shiver down my spine. It’s honey and gravel, sugar and smoke.

I recover quickly and clear my throat. “Believe me, I’m just gearing up.”

“Let’s hear it, then. I don’t have all day.”

I glance at Angelo. He gives me an encouraging thumbs-up, and I stand a little straighter. I think about all the things Gabriel has done to piss me off since kicking me out of the mansion, including what is either his inability or refusal to acknowledge the baby growing in my belly. I channel that fire now, even though my legs feel shaky.

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