“I’m a shark shifter.”
“And the company?”
“Torretti Harbor Capital is the lender. Sal uses my side of the family to collect when paper isn’t enough.”
“Because you’re scary.”
“Yes.”
“Because you’re a shark.”
“That helps.”
I laughed once. It came out too sharp.
Nico didn’t move.
His stillness gave me room to breathe.
“Last night,” I said. “In the back room. You knew I didn’t know.”
“Yes, I did.”
“You wanted me anyway.”
“Yes, I did.”
The answer hit low in my stomach.
I curled my fingers against my ribs. “You stopped.”
“I did.”
“Because Dusty came in.”
“And because you deserved to know what I am before anything went further.”
I stepped closer before I could decide not to. “You should’ve told me before you kissed me.”
“Yes.”
“You should’ve told me before you sat at my bar and looked at me like that.”
“Yes.”
“You should’ve told me before I found out by almost calling the Coast Guard on your fin.”
His jaw tightened. “Yes.”
“You’re very agreeable for a man I want to hit with a citrus crate.”
“I’ve learned not to argue with you when you’re right.”
I took another step. “That better not be charm.”
“It’s survival.”
“Good. Keep surviving.”
