“So do soldiers, protecting their country. No one hates them for doing what is necessary. You do what you were raised to and what is needed to keep your empire safe. To keep me safe.” I point out, confirming he has nothing to fear and pull his hands to my waist, encouraging him to pull me closer.

“Could you fall in love with someone like me, knowing what you do?” Alexi slides his hands up my back to hold me as near as humanly possible, nose and foreheads firmly together. Grey ...