Page 41 of Daddy Brigadier

“Thank you.”

“I’ll help you get ready tonight.” She joins me, twirling my hair in her fingers.

“You think I’m being stupid?”

“Stupid? No, I think you’re just being a girl who’s fallen in love,” she says.

“I’m not in love. I’m playing with the Brigadier to get us Petrov.”

Ruby clasps my hand. “You deserve to be loved, Lexi.” She wraps me in a brief hug, leaving me to mull over her words and to wonder why I had to protest against them.

“Love?” I chuckle, as if I understand what that even means. After all, I hardly had solid role models for what a good relationship looks like.

I never knew my father, and my mom slept with half the neighborhood. I haven’t liked any guy enough to call him my boyfriend. I certainly don’t believe the few guys and girls I slept with qualify as love.

Anyway, honestly, why should it matter if I’m falling for the Brigadier? He won’t love me back. And there’s also the harsh reality that he’s going to kill me.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LEXI

“You look beautiful tonight.”

Valentin stands before me, tall and striking in his sleek black suit and tie. I can’t recall seeing him in anything but a suit, but it hardly matters; it only heightens the intrigue surrounding him and his captivating dark eyes.

“So, where are you taking me?” I ask.

“Don’t you trust me?”

With a heavy sigh, I shake my head, “No!”

He chuckles as he opens the vehicle door, and I slip inside.

“Where to, then?” he asks with a grin.

“I’m craving steak. How about we check out that new spot, City Steakhouse?”

“Only if you promise to finish your meal this time.”

I give him a playful smile, and he closes the door.

As I glance back at the warehouse, I can’t help noticing three pairs of my friends’ eyes capturing a glimpse of the Brigadier, their expressions filled with finality. They’re behaving as if this might be the last time they will ever see me.

Valentin strides to the front and exchanges a few words with his men before slipping into the seat next to me. He turnsaround, casting a wary glance behind us. “Just making sure your friends aren’t hiding back there again.”

I chuckle, surprised. Is the Brigadier trying to be funny? “Do you not trust me?”

He gently brushes his thumb over my lips. “Sweetheart, I trust no one.”

He rests his hand over mine, his gaze penetrating through me, and I’m unexpectedly filled with happiness, something I’ve forgotten what it feels like.

About half an hour later, we arrive at City Steakhouse, and I can’t help but notice the formidably long line outside. The place is buzzing with energy, and I start to doubt we’ll get in.

The vehicle parks at the entrance, and the driver opens the door for me. I step out, carefully balancing my six-inch heels on the sidewalk.

Valentin quickly joins me, his hand gently resting on my lower back.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize it would be so busy,” I admit.