But that’s hiding. More lies.
Carefully, I touch his face, running my scarred fingers over his sharp jaw. He freezes, unsure if he should lean in or stop me. I’m not sure which I’d prefer.
Gulping, I say quietly, “I’ve never slept with Reese, Pup. I’ve only ever given you my body. I’ve only ever trusted you to help me fight the demons.”
His pupils blow wide, Adam’s apple bobbing. His hands turn punishing, pulling me closer, as if he can fuse us together. With my arms around him, his chest pressed to mine, maybe he can.
“Ace!” Alessio storms into my office, and we jump apart.
“Alessio,” I drawl, voice rough. My hands drop, but the Reaper doesn’t let me go. “If you haven’t noticed, I’m a bit busy.”
“You fuckingrecallus?” He slams his hands on the chair. Tousled hair, sharp eyes, he’s rumpled with a fine stubble over his face.
But behind the good looks, I notice the grief in his eyes. Tony was his best friend—his second, a cousin, someone he trusted—and he’s gone.
Because of me.
That sours my mood. Pulling completely from the Reaper, he begrudgingly finishes tending to my wound. Before he does, he whispers into my ear, “We’re not finished.”
It’s a promise and a threat.
Staring ahead, I ignore the blush on my cheeks. “That’s how it works, Alessio. I call, you come. No questions asked.”
“She’s fucking pregnant with twins.”
I stare at him. “I’m aware.”
Seething, he slaps the chair, and Killian glances over his shoulder, glaring. “She can’t be moved like this. She’s too close to her due date. She’snesting.”
“And she can nest here.” It’s safer here—I can protect themhere. “Use a few of the rooms in the wing and make an apartment. That’s what Collins and Hayes did. I have a crew on standby. They work quickly.”
“I don’t want acrew,” he growls, stalking close. Killian turns, blocking me while I lower my shirt. “I want to be home in my place, with my wife, and my boys. Where do you get off evoking that clause?—”
“Don’t like it?” I slip from my desk, tucking my bloody shirt into my skirt. “Then fucking take it up with Nico. He drafted it.”
He runs a hand through his hair harshly. “I don’t have the patience for a power play, Ace. My cousin was killed—I have a funeral to plan. Being here, on lockdown no less, is bullshit?—”
“Suchanger,” Killian tsks. “Very unbecoming of a capo.”
“Fuck you, Reaper.”
“You have my condolences,” I offer. “But I’m not changing my mind. You’re to remain here until it’s safe again.”
“When will that be?” He glares at me, and my shoulders tense. Lex doesn’t scare me—but I want to grab my knife anyway. “We’re only in this mess because ofyou. Tony is dead because ofyou—my wife could’ve died because ofyou.”
It’s a slap to my face. Sharp, stinging, my breath lodges in my throat. Worse of all, the capo is right—this is my fault.
Such pretty skin. Look how it breaks. You will soon.
Sloane could’ve as easily been the one in the car instead of Tony. I would’ve lost her—and her boys. All because someone wants to make me submit, to take my throne—my power—and my family for their own misdeeds. Would this be happening if I had been a man, changing decrees and making plays?
So weak. You can’t do anything right.
Swallowing, I fist my hands to hide the shaking.
“Get comfortable,” I say coldly, pushing away all the doubts. “No one goes off property. Not without my permission.”
Lex curses in Italian. “Figlio di puttana.You can’t expect us?—”
