But Alexei cupped the side of her face and drew her mouth back to his for a soft, sweet kiss. “He’s gone.” She blinked. “You knew he was watching?” Slowly, he nodded, as if he feared she might become angry. “I expected he would.” At that, she frowned. It didn’t make sense. Every time Grigoriy looked sideways at her, Alexei got pissed. Why didn’t Misha’s interest bother him? She curled deeper into his embrace and cocked her head to give him a puzzled look. “I don’t understand.” Alexei heaved a sigh. “We go back a long ways.” Releasing his tight hold on her waist, he crossed his arms behind his head and stared at the ceiling. “He brought me to the Black Opals.” Not nearly explanation enough. “And?” The muscle along the side of Alexei’s jaw flexed. A frown pulled between his eyebrows. For several never-ending minutes, he said nothing at all. Then, in a quiet voice, void of emotion, he explained. “I was pretty fucked up back then. Heading for an early grave.
