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Alex

I’ori stays out of my way It’s more than the lack of sleep My kitten is docile—for now—but she’s angry withfrom her hands, and when she’s upset, so ain with This whole dae between us I’e will have settled for good

Noif not dedicated and resilient I’ll work hard to win back her adoration Once she’s taken my surnaoal In a few months from noe look back on all of this, she’ll see that I was right She’ll understand that I acted in her best interest Eventually, she’ll forgive me

My phone rings on the way froor follows closely behindstrides as Adrian tells n of hihost, untraceable and nonexistent as far as his trail goes

I hang up with a curse and slaor catches the door before it bangs against the wall

“Alex,” he says as I plop down in the seat behind my desk

The rare use of my first name makes me look at him “What?”

“You’re not your usual self”

“No shit” I push on the thumbprint scanner to open the wall shutter “And your point is?”

He advances to my desk “You need to remain level-headed You have to keep your wits about you if you’re going up against Stefanov”

I boot up the wall- weeks and we’re not ress”

“It’sme an even look “You’re upset because of Katherine”

I narrowht to put your nose in my private affairs”

He’s undeterred “Her stress is rubbing off on you”

Indeed I’h the news about Laura was on my kiska

“There was an incident with hera hand overis fine now She’ll come around”

“This has been going on since way before yesterday She’s in the dark Put yourself in her shoes I”

“Are you the expert on Katerina’s feelings now?” I ask in a tight voice

“She’s not stupid She’s picking up on things She asked ”

“Is that right?” If Igor is discussing me with my woman behind my back, I swear I’ll break his face My tone is cool Shrewd “Asked you what exactly?”