Page 32 of Corrupted Empire

Jeans on, I head for the nursery.

“You’re the one who called me,” I point out.

I want to believe him calling me is a good sign, but more likely than not, he’s called because he’s drunk and angry and wants to spit abuse at someone. Who better to release some frustrations on than the ultimatepersona non grata?

“Why did you do it, Alexis?” he says with a light groan. “I wanted to trust you. And then you went and fucked me over.”

I tiptoe into the nursery but find Harry awake and upright, hanging onto the edge of his crib. If I didn’t know any better, I would say it looks like he’s trying to escape.

“Momma!” he greets happily.

“I didn’t know what the Cartel had on you. How was I supposed to?” To Harry, I whisper, “Hey, baby. Do you want to come out for a bit? Mommy can’t sleep either.”

Mommy might never sleep again, considering how electric my blood feels right now.

“That doesn’t matter,” Gabriel snaps. “Cartel or not, you shouldn’t have done it. You betrayed me.”

I lift Harry into my arms and take him back to my bedroom with me. I want this conversation to be private, and the security waiting in the living room won’t allow for that.

“I didn’t betray you,” I reply haughtily. “I did the right thing. People were dying. They’re still dying, but at least I was able to get the story out, so the public knows what’s going on. I didn’t know that the Cartel were forcing you to help them. You never told me that. All I knew was that you were at the center of a drug epidemic that was ruining people’s lives. I was so disappointed with you.”

I grab one of Harry’s stuffed animals from my bed and sink to the floor. I pass Harry the toy, and he starts to play with it while I settle down, cross-legged.

“We have a child together, Gabriel,” I sigh. “And we’ve got another on the way. This can’t go on forever.”

The line goes silent, and I find I am holding my breath. Is it crazy to think that Gabriel might give in? That he might confess how difficult this has been and agree that we are better together than we are apart?

“This will go on as long as I desire,” Gabriel replies in a quiet voice.

I frown and release my breath. Of course he’s going to continue being stubborn. That’s his schtick.

Harry staggers to his feet and waddles across the room. He has become a keen explorer over the past few weeks, having grown more confident on his feet.

“Careful,” I call out after him. Not that he will listen.

“Are you with Harry?” Gabriel asks.

“Yeah. He was awake when I went to check on him. I thought he might like to come out and stretch his legs.”

“Has he been walking much?” There is genuine interest in Gabriel’s voice. It’s good to hear he still cares about his son. If only he’d show it.

“When he’s not running,” I say, chuckling. “I swear the kid’s training for a marathon.”

Either that or Harry’s practicing his Bellucci birthright—running away from his problems. I don’t say that. I somehow don’t think Gabriel would find it funny.

Gabriel’s voice is softer when he speaks next. “Is he happy?”

Harry reaches the wall and starts meandering back in my direction. He is grinning. He always is. But is he happy? That’s a good question.

“I don’t think he understands what he’s missing,” I reply. “He’s happy, but I think he could be happier.”

I squeeze Harry’s hand as he wanders past me. He barely seems to notice, too focused on his explorations.

“Can we see you?” I ask. “I want to see you.”

I squeeze my eyes shut, wishing that he will give in. I am tired of this. I hate the waiting, the wondering. I just want to be a family again.

“No,” Gabriel replies. “That’s not possible.”

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