Bound by my blood

Chapter thirty

1 month later:

Latakia, Syria. That's where Elisa and I had escaped to. We both needed to get away for different reasons—Elisa had completed her mission in Sicily and needed time for everything to cool down before heading back home. I couldn't blame her; the whole of Sicily would likely be searching for the first lady's killer. As for me? I just needed a place where no one would mention him.

The Dagher brothers, kind as ever, had offered us a place to stay and even a job. Elisa was hesitant at first, but I insisted she lay low. She had no choice.

I adjust my thigh-length, red dress, smoothing the fabric before applying a layer of crimson lipstick. The makeup artist had chosen a minimalist look for me tonight. Nazari had important guests coming in, people interested in buying one of his new rocket launchers. His reputation was growing fast, and his business was becoming more dangerous by the day.

"You look stunning, Alexa," Aerin, Nazari's wife, compliments as she hands me the guest list and seating plan. Elisa had asked me to take her shift tonight, claiming she wasn't feeling well. I'm not buying it, but who am I to argue? Besides, she's been covering for me for weeks, ever since I lost the strength to even leave my bed. I owe her.

The first week here, I drank away everything in Zeke's private stash of alcohol, a gift from Aerin. I barely ate and spent the days locked away in my room, drowning in a haze. I'm still not eating much, but the haze is thinning. Just a little.

"Thank you, Aerin, for everything," I whisper as I slip on my black heels. She gives me a nod, a silent acknowledgment before leaving the staff room. I check my hair one last time in the mirror and head toward the gates.

Men eye me as I guide them to Nour, one of the hostesses. They try to flirt, their words dripping with obvious intentions. I laugh it off, using my charm to let them down easy. A few push their luck, suggesting more than just a drink after my shift, but I always say no. My husband may not remember me, but it feels like a betrayal to even consider it.

I link arms with Cassian as we enter the bar. He's Naz's spymaster, which means he knows everyone and everything. A walking encyclopedia of secrets. He orders us a round of cocktails as we find a spot at the bar. I perch on one of the stools, and he slides my drink toward me with a flirty smile.

"One cocktail for the pretty lady in red," he chuckles, taking a sip of his own.

Cassian knows I'm not interested in sleeping with him, but that never stops him from having a drink with me after my shifts. He's fun, easygoing, and somehow always knows how to make me laugh, even when the weight of everything is suffocating. In the hours we spend together, he makes me forget the chaos for a while.

"Thank you, Cassy," I tease, patting his arm.

"Is that all I get? A pat on the shoulder?" he smirks. Before I can respond, I cuff him playfully on the back of his head.

"You're such a troublemaker," I laugh, but he's already grabbing me in a quick hug, and I can't help but smile.

Before I can say anything, Naz and Aerin appear at the bar. Naz helps Aerin into a stool and then turns to face me.

"Alexandria, we have a visitor at the front desk," Naz says, his voice low and serious. "Someone who claims to know you. Do you want me to get security to escort them out?"

"Who do they look like?" I ask, my gut twisting in a way I can't quite explain.

"Tall, messy blond hair. I don't know how else to describe him," Aerin adds with a shrug. "He seemed... desperate to see you."

A chill runs down my spine. I adjust the straps of my dress and stand up, but I stumble slightly. Cassian catches me before I can fall, his strong hands steadying me.

"Do you want me to come with you?" he asks, concern lacing his words. I shake my head, knowing this is something I have to face on my own.

He sighs but hands me something small. I look down and see a blade—cold, sharp, and comforting in its familiarity. He places it in my hand, and I stare at him, unsure.

"If it's one of Lombardo's men," he mutters, "give them hell. And when you're done, come find me. I'll make sure you and Elisa get somewhere safe."

"Thank you, but Vince... he doesn't care where I am anymore. He doesn't remember me or the last few months," I sigh, forcing a small smile. Cassian lets go of me and steps back, watching me closely as I stride toward the entrance.

When I reach the front, I spot him.

Standing there, arms crossed, with a cold expression—he looks like he's stepped out of the shadows of my past.

"JAXON," I gasp, unable to contain the wave of emotions that rush over me. I run toward him, and without hesitation, he catches me. I wrap my arms around him, holding on tight as the overwhelming relief floods me. For a moment, everything else fades away. I don't care who's watching, I'm just glad he's here.

In his arms, I finally feel safe. My walls break, and I burst into tears. The emotions that have been building up for so long come crashing down.

"Va bene, principessa, sono qui," he murmurs softly, his voice warm and steady. His words are a comfort, and they only make the tears come faster, but in this moment, I feel like maybe everything might be okay.