“What?” Halston asked. “What do you mean?”
“There are a handful of trained killers who can take a person outwithouta weapon,” Sin said. “You’re on that short list.”
“There’s a list?”
“Sin was given a list,” Evangeline explained. “And your name was on it.”
Her smug expression had him biting back a smile. She was an independent, confident woman… someone who challenged him, even rivaled him.
She’s perfect for me… absolutely perfect.
“I’m good,” Gabriel replied.
“G, I’m just curious,” Sin said. “What thumb drive was Halston supposed to find?”
“There is no thumb drive,” Gabriel said.
“Then, why’d Bulgrov send me there?” Halston asked.
“That question is for Bulgrov,” Gabriel replied.
“Why are you working today?” Evangeline asked.
“Because the embassy is open.”
“Tell them about the Russian douche,” Gabriel urged her.
“What’s going on?” Evangeline asked.
“Nothing I can’t handle,” she replied. “Thanks for the help.”
She ended the call, glared at Gabriel. “Happy?”
“Happy? No, but I appreciate your honesty. Why didn’t you tell them about the texts?”
“Because I’mnotgoing out with Bob Smith.” She stood. “We’re done, so show yourself out.”
He didn’t budge.
“Or would you like me to remove you with my lethal bare hands?” she asked.
He stood, whisked her into his arms. He sat on the edge of the unmade bed and pulled her into his lap. “I’m going to grovel again.”
She arched an eyebrow at him.
“Halston Devereux, I am begging you to forgive me,” he said before kissing her hand. “I was wrong not to trust you. I won’tdo that again.Ever. You have my word. As a Santini and Boss of Cosa Nostra, my word iseverything.”
She said nothing, so he leaned toward her to kiss her, but stopped short. A few seconds passed before she met him halfway, pressing her lips to his.
One gentle kiss before he continued.
“Ti prego di perdonarmi, mio intelligente, astuto e coraggioso Halston. Mi dispiace moltissimo e non commetterò più quell'errore. Cosa posso fare per rimettere le cose a posto tra noi?”Please forgive me, Halston. I'm very sorry and I won't make that mistake again. What can I do to make things right between us?
“Non vedo l'ora di tornare nella tua villa con te, questa volta come tuo ospite,” she replied.I look forward to returning to your villa with you, this time as your guest.
He kissed her again. “It would be my pleasure.”
“Gabriel, this is different and I feel vulnerable too,” she murmured. “Be honest with me. No cheating, no sneaking around. If we work, great. If we don’t, that’s okay. Be a man, not a mouse.”
