“It’s not just for my sake,” Xena adds. “I’m doing this for you,too. My brother will kill you if he thinks you’re interferingwith this deal.”
She makes the threat so casually that I miss it at first. As itsinks in, though, goosebumps rise on my arms. “Excuse me?”
Xena nods in confirmation. “He’ll come for you and yourentire family. He’s done it before.”
My heart clenches. Thoughts of Elise run through my mind.What the hell was I thinking? Getting involved with Nikolai,bringing Elise into this world… Stupid. So reckless.
I spent my entire life blaming my mom for putting me andElise in a dangerous environment, but then I turned around anddid the same thing.
I might be even worse.
“Here.” Xena reaches into her small red clutch and
