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X frowned. “You knew better than to keep going. I pushed you.”
“I could’ve said no.”
“Could you?” X held my gaze, and once again, I felt consumed by the tension between us.
“As interesting as this is to observe,” Niall said, “what’s our next move?”
“We need to talk to Lucien. I know he has ties to the organized crime network in New Orleans. We need to see what he can learn. I want you and the rest of the team on high alert, including Joe once he’s back tonight.”
Niall nodded. “After spending that much time alone with Devil, he’ll probably be itching for a job.”
Laughter burst from me, and I clapped a hand to my mouth.
X smiled at me. “It seems Emilio agrees with that assessment. Stay here and make sure Leo does what the doctor says. You, Giorgio, Joe, and the Marchesis can handle this.”
“You know Leo’s going to fight to be part of any move we make.”
“I’m trusting you to resist him.”
X’s growly tone always made me shiver. I’d seen some of the softer side of him that night, but this was the X I knew from the missions we’d worked, a hardass commander who demanded excellence from his team.
I had no doubt he could keep me safe, but while he could eliminate any physical threat, I worried that after spending time with him on a private island, I would feel just as broken as I would if Swain’s men had gotten to me.
As long as X remained a fantasy, I could handle my feelings, but spending days alone with him would show me once and for all that those fantasies were never going to be realized. Knowing that in my head and experiencing it were vastly different.
“Are you sure—”
He cut me off. “No more questions. Come on.”
I should be offended to be dismissed like that. He expected me to do exactly what he said, but the thing was, I wanted to please him, and when he barked commands at me, I wanted to obey.
I bit back a groan. I was in so much trouble. Life was easier if I just stayed by myself in my apartment. I didn’t have to deal with confusing emotions. Like code, fantasies were easier than people.
I should keep arguing with X, insisting he couldn’t make me come with him. He could, though. I couldn’t possibly take him in a fight. Without access to a way to wipe out his bank account or something that might matter to him, I was helpless, at his mercy, unable to fend off the strong man who’d decided I had to go where he went.
Would he truly force me if I made it clear I needed to be alone? Would I like it if he did?
“Emilio?”
He sounded concerned, and I realized how long I’d been standing there. I looked up at him. “I don’t have a choice, do I?”
“No. You need protection, and I’m your best bet.”
I had no doubt that was true. “All right. Let’s go.”
I walked out ahead of X and heard Niall chuckle behind me. “Enjoy yourself.”
X didn’t reply, and I didn’t turn around. I figured I was better off not seeing X’s expression. I made my way back to the front door. Once I’d been inside a building, the layout became clear. It was like a map formed in my mind. That was easy. Not running when I heard X’s pounding steps behind me was not.
X didn’t say anything as he started the car and headed down the long driveway. The thrum of the wheels on the road quickly put me back to sleep as I wondered about X. He didn’t seem tired at all. Did he even need sleep? That was one more thing that made me question whether he was superhuman.
I woke when the car stopped and realized we were at the airport.
As I started to get out of the car, something felt wrong, and I realized I had nothing with me but my backpack that only held my laptop and a change of clothes. “What about luggage? We can’t just go to the island with nothing, can we?”
“My assistant is meeting us here with a bag for me. I also keep some things on the island.”
“Okay, but what about me?”
“He also packed some toiletries for you and a change of clothes that will come close enough to fitting. Dalton’s taking care of the rest and having it shipped out for you.”
“Dalton?” Based on the surveillance I’d done when Dalton had been on the island, he preferred skimpy, skintight clothing in bright colors. What the hell would he buy for me?
“Yes, he’s close to your size, and I knew he wouldn’t mind shopping for an island wardrobe for you.”
“I don’t need—”
“It’s on me.”
How did I explain without offending him? “It’s not the money. I…”
