“You know why.”
“No, I don't.”
“Do I have to say it?”
“Maybe.”
I lean forward. “Because I care about you. Because I love you. I’m putting my whole career on the line for you.”
Dove breathes heavily, like what I’m saying is inducing a panic attack.
“People I care about have hurt me my whole life. And now you’re on that list. Stefania is the only one who’s always been there. I won’t betray her. I won’t be you.”
“I was only doing my job. I never expected . . . I never expected for things to play out the way they did.”
“Well, you’re really fucking good at what you do.” Dove is bitter.
“So that’s it. You’re just going to throw your whole life away. On pride?”
“On loyalty.”
“You’re being stubborn.” Frustration begins to fester under my skin. “What about us?”
“Us?” She slaps the word back in my face. “Are you delusional? There is no us.”
“There could be. If you let it all go and realize what’s best for you.”
“Who? You? I will never be able to trust you again. I’m broken, Tate. Damaged goods. I don’t forgive and I don't forget. I’m a vicious fucking animal who will bite you right after you feed me.”
“I don’t believe that. You’re hurt, yes, but you’re not stupid. I can help you,” I try to appeal to her. “In the last six months you have made every decision with a level head. Why should this be any different?”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I wasn't level-headed when it came to you. You were one of the biggest mistakes of my life. One level below the man who used to beat me unconscious.”
That statement guts me.
We stare at each other silently. The tension as thick as a dense fog over San Francisco. We’re at an impasse.
“Dove . . . please.” I am reduced to begging. At this point, I will do almost anything to get her to listen.
Her hollow eyes soften just a touch. “I’m where I belong.”
I want to pull every hair out of my head. She’s so infuriating.
“Fine. You want to rot for Stefania Deltoro, that's your decision. Don’t regret it. I offered you a way out. I offered you a future. With me.” I bang my fist against my chest. “If you’re too stubborn to take the out, there’s nothing left I can do.” I clear my throat, masking the emotion that is threatening to unhinge me.
“Then, I guess there is nothing left to say.”
I want to scream. I have never met such a stubborn, headstrong, obstinate woman. And then I realize that is exactly what made me fall in love with her. That fire and tenacity. But it’s working against me right now, and it’s jeopardizing her whole life.
“I’m not giving up on you,Tiburona.” I stand and rap on the door for Lopez to retrieve her.
When he steps through the threshold, the look he gives me sparks my defenses to go on alert. She doesn’t seem too fond of him either. When he touches her, she recoils.
Not having any control of this situation is driving me mad. I want to protect her, as much as she would hate that. I want to throw Lopez up against the wall and threaten his life if he puts his hands on her the wrong way. But I can’t. When I’m not undercover, I’m back in a box. Duty-bound to abide by the rules.
I watch Lopez escort Dove out of the room. When they’re gone and I'm alone, I release a frustrated cry and slam my fist against the wall.
16
