Chapter 40: Just The Mark, Right?

(SASHA)

"Tyler," I intend to blackmail him with more threats but end up doing the opposite. "I…I'm sorry." I say hoarsely. I'm as shocked as Tyler is the minute those words leave my mouth. They sound foreign to me too. I can't remember the last time I apologized to anyone.

We gaze at each other for a beat as the apology hangs in the air.

He blinks at me disbelievably.

"I'm sorry, but I have to protect my mother and my brother." I grit my teeth. "Angelo is coming after me. He doesn't care that exposing you to the other syndicates could get my family killed. All he wants is to take over."

"How are you any different, Sasha? Don't you want that too?"

"It's my birthright." I snarl. "I've trained for this my whole life. I can't stand here idly and watch Angelo take what rightfully belongs to me."