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"Perhaps it wouldn't have needed saving if I hadn't entered it in the first place. If only I'd never tried to race you that day, never hit your car by accident, you wouldn't have felt the need to come to my place and thank me. All of this," he bemoans, mild frustration and rage mingling in his voice, "Could have been avoided."
The guilt he feels is unwarranted, and I feel defensive on his behalf. He doesn't deserve to feel this way, to be this hard on himself. "No, Dario," I whisper, hoarsely, standing to go next to him.
I get on the floor in front of him, and despite all reservation and the voices warning me in my head to not go this far, I take his hands in mine. "It was supposed to be a fun night on the tracks and things went wrong. Shit happens. Life happens. None of this is your fault."
The soft glow from the overhead light casts a warm hue over Dario's face, emphasizing the strong lines of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes. I can't help but feel drawn to him, despite the fact that my mission dictates otherwise.
It's been a struggle to balance my growing feelings for him with the cold, calculated nature required of a spy. The more time we spend together, the harder it becomes to keep up the facade.
"Jasmine," Dario says, lifting me up by my shoulders and pulling me up on the couch next to him, "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm glad you were there with me today. You're stronger than anyone I've ever met and thank you ... for your forgiveness."
My heart swells at his words, and I know he means them. It makes me question whether I can continue deceiving him any longer. But it's not deception is it, if I'm doing my job.
All I manage to say is "There is no need for me to forgive. I have no place to forgive. All I have is gratitude."
We sit in silence for a moment, our gazes locked, as an unspoken understanding passes between us. My pulse quickens as he begins to lean closer, the warmth of his body radiating onto mine.
"Jasmine," he murmurs, his lips mere inches from mine. "I want to stay by your side until we get to the bottom of what's going on, no matter what happens. Someone must have seen us together and I fear you could be in danger. Can you promise me that?"
"I…" I hesitate, torn between the desire to be honest with him and the need to maintain my cover. "I'll do everything I can, Dario. But you have to understand, there are things I can't control. Life, a job, responsibilities," I try to cover up to buy myself time to be alone. Time for me to do my job, to report back to Elena.
"Responsibilities," he whispers. "Why do I feel like you're mine?"
Of all the things in the world, I never, ever expected him to say those words. I feel every atom in my body reverberate, gravitate towards him while the diminishing, logical part of my brain is screaming no.
Yet, I quieten it. In this moment, I throw all caution to the wind, as my heart screams at me to follow my impulses. "Oh Dario," I whisper, my lips parting for more, my legs trembling with desire as I lean closer and take his hands in mine.
With that, he closes the distance between us, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. My body responds without hesitation, wrapping my arms around his neck and pulling him closer.
The passion between us is electric, and undeniable, and for a moment, I allow myself to forget about the mission and focus solely on the man in front of me.
He places his hand behind my neck ever so gently, and I touch his chest. My heart is beating so loud, and I'm almost giddy with joy. He parts my lips further, tongue lashing against tongue and I let out a moan.
I don’t know what’s right or wrong anymore, but is it so wrong to irrefutably want this man?
But just then, as I yearn for more, my phone buzzes with an incoming message. The name displayed on the screen makes my heart skip a beat: Elena. My handler. Dario can’t know.
I pull apart suddenly.
“Jasmine,” asks Dario, his eyes still glazed with desire. “What is it?”
I jump to my feet, the realization of what just happened playing on my mind. I kissed the man I might need to bring down, and I know what this means in the agency’s eyes. I’m compromised.
They can never find out. I’ll watch my career burn right in front of my eyes. I look at Dario, confusion and fear etched in my eyes. What is he? An innocent son to an evil father? Or an accomplice disguised as a gentleman?
I no longer trust myself, Dario, or the world. It’s all too much. I need a moment to breathe.
“Is everything alright, my love?” Dario asks again, concerned.
“I’m sorry, I need to take this. It’s a very important client and I’m working on her car.”
I open my phone and read the message. “Traitor amongst Marchetti’s. Did not divulge name but is complying to give us information against the Don when he has some. Try to find out who and convince him to go public. We will provide protection.”
I almost gasp, but hold it back. Instead, I type back, “Ok. What information divulged so far?”
“Dario’s father has a network peddling drugs outside middle schools across Europe. We believe he kidnaps kids after getting them hooked.”
“Thanks for the update,” I text back.
