ia's

became clumsy around him. It was a strange thing, to be both grateful and cautious around him, like standing in front of a storm-beautiful from a distanc

aid, casually, as if he hadn't just thrown a li

atteo was safe-that Alaric, despite being the cold, impenetrable man he was, had actually kept his wo

de, and the sense that maybe, just maybe, things could get better. I couldn't contain the smile that crept onto my face

e expression, a hint of something-was it amusement?-in his eyes. I waited

tnessing me getting all caught up in my emotion

cing myself for my next request. "I'd l

stance hardened, his jaw tensed, and he crossed his arms ove

you mean, no? He's my brot

l. "Your presence is required. Besides, the hospita

bble up. "He's not just some pa

and steady. "But you work for me now. Your time

wanted was a few hours, just to sit by Matteo's side, to see for myself that he was okay. But it was like talking to a brick wal

steady. "I'll come back. Just give me an hour, tha

locked onto mine, steely and cold. "You agreed to

the bite from my words. My eyes narrowed at him as I glared at him. I might as well be talk

help it. The frustration was building, fueled by the cruelty he was showing me. How could he be so hear

y low. "I have done what I promised. I am upholding

ch as I wanted to. This wasn't a man who was used to hearing

But this isn't what we agreed on. You can keep me here

ng unreadable crossing his face before he closed

m, to break something, but I knew it wouldn't change anything. Alaric held all the cards, and he knew it. The only power

ep fighting him. If he'd already drawn this line, if he was willing to keep me from my brother now, then what else wo

d it cost me

om my cheeks. This was all my fault. I shouldn't have agreed to t