I was consumed by guilt. I should have never stalled in that alley. I should have never doubted Ralph. How foolish. So incredibly foolish. Every cry of pain that escaped Ralph's mouth pierced through me like a blunt blade. It was entirely my responsibility that he got injured, and looking at Killian and Alexei's expressions, they were fully aware of it as well. I hate to admit it, but the feeling of freedom overwhelmed me for a brief moment until Ralph was held at gunpoint.

I just couldn’t imagine Ralph’s father wanted him dead. “Now what the fuck happened?” Alexei’s cold eyes cut to me, the look in them made...