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He shifts uncomfortably, looking between me and the stolen vehicle. I can’t help scoffing to myself about his skepticism. I pull my wallet out of my pocket and fish out a few hundred dollar bills—legitimate ones no less. He should be thankful I’m not trying to truly screw him over, and that I’m still in a reasonably good mood.
When I hand them to him, he takes them hesitantly, but says, “Abandoned at the side of the road it is, sir.”
“Pleasure doing business, officer. The Bianchi family thanks you,” I say, before turning to walk back to my car. I keep alert, but hear nothing that gives me reason to turn back. It’s only once I’m back in my own vehicle and signaling to pull back onto the road that I relax.
The cabin is quiet, filled with nothing but the hum of road noise and Renee’s quiet sniffles.
Finally, she speaks. “How did you get him to let me leave?”
“He found a stolen car abandoned at the side of the road,” I explain. “That’s all.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see her frown.
“Santino, why are you helping me like this?” she asks, her voice quiet but certain. Whatever’s running through her head, she wants answers.
And she’ll get them. Just not when my blood is still humming from getting her out of danger.
“Because you shouldn’t have to deal with whatever you’re dealing with alone,” I start. “Because that thing was barely a car and you deserve something much better. Because …” I trail off, unsure if now’s the time to reveal my hand. To tell her that she’s mine and that she’ll never have to steal a thing again or put herself at risk ever again.
I could have avoided all of this by getting involved sooner, and some part of me regrets that. At the same time, this situation let her see what I can do for her. I was there when she needed me, and I’ll never not be there for her. Better for us both if she learns that now rather than later.
“Because I take care of what’s mine. And if you’ll have me, I want you to be that.”
***
The drive to my building is spent in silence.
After my explanation, Renee hasn’t spoken outside of a soft “Oh.” Her quiet continues until we’re on the private elevator that goes straight up to my penthouse.
“How did you get to me so fast?” she asks.
“What do you mean?” I reply. I know she’s not fool. It’s clear what she’s asking me, I’m just a bit surprised she’s waited this long to pop the question.
“Back there when I got pulled over. You called me just as the cops stopped me and you were there to talk them into leaving. It all happened so fast, almost like …”
I stare at her knowingly, wondering if my little dove is brave enough to speak her mind.
“As if what?”
“It’s almost like you were already there.”
The elevator doors ding and slide open, revealing the entryway to my high-end penthouse. The sight draws her attention away from me immediately. She stares, mouth open with shock, at the luxurious furnishings and décor, the warm light of the sunset outside casting everything in a golden glow.
She steps off the elevator without me needing to ask, her head turning as she wanders around, taking it all in. It’s the floor-to-ceiling windows that ultimately get her attention, and I can understand why. The view of the city is breathtaking at this time of day.
But my eyes aren’t on the skyline, not with Renee around. They’re focused solely on her, and what she looks like in the golden light.
“You can see the whole city from here,” she murmurs. Her wonder makes my heart soar.
“You can,” I say as I approach her from behind. She turns to look up at me, and my heart stutters to a stop.
Her blue eyes are sparkling, her rosy lips curved into a brilliant smile. Her body, so lush and perfect, exudes warmth and I feel it seeping through suit even though we aren’t touching.
The effect is instantaneous. My cock hardens immediately, pressing against my fly. My control begins to slip when her eyes drift down to my mouth, and back up to my eyes.
“Do you like it?” I ask her as I reach a handout to push a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.
“Do I like what?” she responds mindlessly.
