Page 139 of Mafia Obsession

“It’s none of his business. Good night, Daria.” I hang up and wonder to myself if Sandrine’s disability will make him want her less…or more.

Chapter 56

Lourdes

Istretch my back, tight from sitting in front of the computer for the last couple of hours. The cursor blinks as I stare at the email on my screen, rereading the last sentence I’ve typed:

I regret that I’m unavailable for in-person meetings at this time, but I would be happy to review all materials remotely.

I sigh, hit send, and immediately pull up the next message, already knowing how it will be another copy–paste reply before I even read the subject line: A request for a luncheon. A board introduction. A site visit.

All things I’m important enough to attend as Mrs. Ares Zervas. All things I can’t dobecauseI’m Mrs. Ares Zervas with a sister who’s being hunted by the Bratva.

“I can’t leave this penthouse,” I mutter under my breath, the words tasting bitter and small in the elegant office Ares gave me.

Myhome now.

My prison. These same irritatingly familiar walls, marble floors, and rows of windows remind me I have not stepped outside for five days.

Ares asked me to work remotely for my protection. He and Daria have been tracking Kirill Volkov.

Five days of guards rotating through shifts.

Five days of trying not to think about the last seven guards lying dead on the floor while fireworks exploded overhead. Because of me. Because of Sandrine.

For five days, I’ve not seen my sister.

My fingers press harder into the keys than necessary as I begin typing another response, the rhythm sharp, almost punishing.

“I’m available to review—” My fingers stop and hover at the sound of the front door to the penthouse opening.

It cuts through the silence like a blade.

The sound of Ares’s footsteps heading to the office and the rhythm of his powerful gait make me put my head down. I resistgetting up to greet him, running into his arms as I think he wants me to. Instead, I finish the email and hit send.

When I sense him in the doorway to the office, I close my eyes and shut the laptop. Not quickly. Not to make him think I’m stealing money again for another escape.

There’s nowhere to escape now.

Despite being trapped, my feelings for Ares are real. When I see him, excitement sizzles through me. I hate myself for how attracted I am to him.

“Hi,” I say and finally look at him, knowing I won’t stay mad at him. “What happened at the auction?”

His suit jacket is still on, tie knotted at his throat, he runs a hand through his hair. His expression is composed, as always, but his eyes are dark when they land on me. My chest tightens painfully with worry.

“It’s handled,” he mutters.

“What’s handled?”

“I have to get to Club Wicked early tonight.” He turns and leaves the office.

Oh no, you don’t…

I push away from the desk and chase after him.

He moves differently, arms not swinging as he walks. They’re almost pinned to his sides. His hands are balled into fists. This isn’t the confident swagger I’m used to seeing.

When I get into the bedroom, I’m filled with the familiar sensation that it always feels smaller when he’s in it, like the air moves differently around him.