Page 85 of The Freedom in Captivity

To punish her for hurting Della? To check on her? Clearly, they had a conversation that left Della low, but what was the effect on Rozelyn?

So many options, but none of them seem quite right. Quite certain.

The guard stationed outside Rozelyn’s door is Vlad, a newer soldier, only inducted two years prior. The moment he spots me approaching, he pushes off the wall and erects himself in front of the doorway, as though to block me from entering but that’d be stupid on his part.

“Go away, Flynn.”

His command goes ignored and I certainly don’t care as a swell of anger quickens my pace. My height puts me a couple inches taller than him and my bulk will be an advantage to show him I’m not playing around, but he shoves into my chest.

Glaring, I yell, “Fuckin’ get outta my way!”

Vlad shakes his head. “Sorry, orders.”

Orders.Only three select people would have the power to do so. Rafael, who isn’t here, Lorenzo, who’s stepped back almost entirely, and Nico, who’s been in charge of dealing with the De Falco situation. The person responsible is obvious.

“Move.”

He crosses his arms, which pushes against my chest. “Don’t give me reason to punch you, man.”

I reach for the knife I keep stored in my boot for such an occasion. “Don’t give me reason to stab you.”

With two palms, he shoves me away, and I arch my arm up to stab him, only to lose balance with a sudden punch to the stomach. It wasn’t hard enough to harm me but it makes a point. Vlad straightens, staring meaningfully at me, waiting for me to make the next move.

It’s not really him keeping me from her, so Vlad isn’t who my issue is with. Stabbing him won’t do any good. A comrade will fall and another will take his place. Which means, getting to the top.

Spinning on my heel, I leave with a growl and head straight for Nico’s office, uncaring if he’s still dealing with his wife and sister-in-law. I find him alone, seated on the edge of his desk, and he looks up at his phone at my entry, no surprise in his expression at my reappearance.

“Vlad texted.”

“What the fuck? You keepin’ me from her?”

“That’s precisely what I’m doing. For this very reason.” He gestures two fingers up and down the length of my body. “This isn’t you, Flynn. Whatever that girl’s done to your senses, I refuse to lose you. You’re too good a soldier and an enforcer. She’s not worth it.”

She’s worth everything.

“Sir—”

“Vlad isn’t standing guard to ensure she remains inside.”

“He’s there to keep me out,” I piece together what he hasn’t said. “She’smycaptive.”

A muscle ticks in Nico’s jaw as he crosses his arms and his legs at the ankle; a look of ease in an otherwise tense situation. “She’s not your anything and I need your head on straight. We’ll find De Falco, but you can’t be wrapped up in his daughter. Consider this foryourprotection.”

An animalistic growl works at my lungs and I can’t breathe. I’ve never thought of tearing any Corsetti apart, but I fucking crave it now. Not sure why or how or when it changed. When Rozelyn showed up in my life, she was secondary to my vows, but now…

“I just want to see her.” Even I hear the pathetic brokenness in my tone.

“Did you know, my father mentioned you rambling about her whenever you get drunk?”

“Which times?” Getting drunk is something I do so infrequently.

“Precisely my point. You will stay away from that door, Flynn, and that’s a direct order. Any anger you’re feeling toward me, redirect to De Falco. This is all I will say on this matter. If I learn of you attempting to see her again…” He trails off, his threat unfinished for me to fill in the gaps.

She’s not worth my death.

Another notion slips into my mind. One more rational. One more true. One that brings air to my lungs.

She’s worth everything.

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