Ruthless Saints (The Saints, #3)

by Michelle Heard

Hailey walks in my direction. Her bright smile has lost its sparkle during the course of the night. I miss it. It’s like the sun set too soon before I was done looking at it.

“This isn’t like Damien and Winter. I can’t arrange an alliance. I can’t do anything to fucking make this work for you.” His fingers wrap around the back of my neck. “I’m sorry, brother. If you care for her the way I think you do, you’ll let her go.”

The second I tell him it was anonymous, he’ll kill us. If I show any reaction, they’ll tear Hailey apart. The best thing I can do for her is to keep quiet, to look like I don’t give a shit while I’m being torn apart inside.

Again my heart is shredded into an unrecognizable mess as the sound of her choking fills the air. I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m so sorry you met me.

I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to stay away from you. I’m sorry you’re being hurt because of me.

As if he can feel the turmoil in my soul, my brother says what I can’t, “We’re almost there, little one. You’re safe now. You’ll feel better soon.”

Alexei is really out here being the dad to everyone these days. Give my man a break.

She’s not. She’ll never be okay again. I found the most beautiful creature, and I destroyed it.

“I can’t let her go,” I admit, feeling weaker than I’ve ever felt in my life. Alexei stares me down for a couple of seconds. “Don’t, brother.” “I love her.” He shakes his head. “You can’t force her to stay. I won’t let you.” I’m strong but not near as strong as my brother. “How do I do this?” “The same way Hailey has to. The hard fucking way.”

Alexei takes a seat next to the bed, his eyes drifting over me. It takes a lot of effort to turn my face away from him. “I should’ve stopped it, little one. I’m sorry,” he murmurs softly. “You’ll be here until you’re better.” I struggle to turn my face back to him. “And… then?” Our eyes lock, and I see no malice, only empathy, which is unexpected. “You tell me what you want to do, and I’ll make it happen.”

“I’ll sit with you while you sleep. I won’t let anyone come close to you. Rest, little one.”

All due respect, Alexei is the best man I’ve ever encountered while reading. He’s literally so good to EVERYONE.

“I’m not leaving. I promised Hailey I’ll keep her safe.” Alexei takes a deep breath. “Until she’s ready to leave, consider me her personal guard.”

“You kill people for a living,” she cries, the sound raw and unforgiving. She turns her face away from me, and seeing Alexei, she says, “Tell him to leave.” Alexei immediately rises to his feet. “Brother.”

Alexei knows I love Hailey, and that means he’ll watch over her for the rest of her life.

“This shouldn’t have happened. I wish there was a way you could be together, but you’re from different worlds.” Alexei wipes another tear away. “It’s your turn to lie, little one. You have to tell him you don’t love him.”

“Don’t touch her,” Alexei barks when Carson moves toward me. At a snail's pace, I inch my way around the bed, using the stand for support. When I’m halfway to the door, Alexei gets up and comes to open it for me. He holds his hand out to me. “Need some help?”

“The code is easy to remember. Nine for I. Twelve for L. Eight for H, and twenty-three for W. I love Hailey Welsh.”

Carson’s lips part and a peacefulness washes over his features, then he whispers, “And for a moment, it’s not so dark anymore.”

Alexei’s keeping in contact with me. He sends me random places to visit. He’s become my tour guide.

This book is 100% turning me into a Alexei fan.

“If I could, I would’ve traded places with you in a heartbeat,” he murmurs, the regret deepening on his face.