“I will,” I promise. “I just need to destress in a hot bath. That usually helps.”
She nods, gives Maverick one last look like she’s deciding whether he’s going to be a problem, then leaves.
The door clicks shut behind her.
“Livy’s taking over your empire,” I tell him once we’re alone.
His mouth curves.
“Everything I have is at her feet,bella. And yours.”
My smile fades before I can stop it.
“Maverick, I don’t want her involved in things that could hurt her.”
His expression changes instantly.
The softness stays.
The amusement does not.
“Never, Amelia.”
The word is quiet but absolute.
“The darker side of my life will never touch either of you.”
“You can’t promise that.”
“Yes,” he says. “I can.”
I look at him, throat tight. “Maverick.”
“Olivia canDonher way around the Palm Springs estate because everyone there is family, and I trust them with my life.” His hand closes gently around mine. “But nothing else touches her. No business. No violence. No debts. No blood.”
My chest aches.
“You have my word,” he says.
I want to believe him.
That’s the problem.
I want it so badly.
“And me?” I ask softly.
His thumb brushes over my knuckles.
“You’re harder,” he admits.
I blink. “That’s comforting.”
“It’s honest.” His eyes hold mine. “I can keep Olivia away from that part of my life. I can build walls around her. I can make sure the people near her would die before letting anything happen to her.”
A shiver moves through me.
“But you?” His voice lowers. “You already know enough to be afraid. You already stand close enough to see the cost. I will not spend our lives keeping you in the dark if you don’t want to be there.”
