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“Yes.”
I didn’t want to laugh but if he really thought anything was going to blow over, he was taking the he-man thing too seriously. “No. I have my life and I’m not going to be forced to live in fear. I just don’t understand why you’re poking the bear. I realize that getting out of those contracts is very important to you and to this firm. I’ll work my ass off to bring in more business, but it’s not that easy. Michael Azzurri isn’t the kind of man to take no for an answer. What if he comes after you?”
“As I said, I can handle the situation.”
“Damn you for being so freaking cavalier. Fine. Have it your way. But I’m going to live my life my way.”
I dared him to challenge me. Dared him to try to push me. And I dared him to be able to read my mind, to try to make me feel the way he had the night before, entirely safe in his arms.
After exhaling, he brushed his finger along the side of my face. This time I refused to back away, yet I fought the urge to wrap my arms around his neck. As he allowed his gaze to fall very slowly, the wash of desire became so intense I couldn’t move. “I care about you, Sassy. More than I should. But I need you to be able to trust me completely. Can you do that?”
Oh, God. I wanted this man more than I could admit to anyone else. No. I would hold to my earlier decision. It was the right thing to do.
Swallowing, I counted to five before answering and when I did, I felt my heart start to crumble into little pieces.
“Trust is earned, Hunt Masters, and at this point you haven’t given me enough reason to think you’re doing the right thing. You need to concentrate on Lily and protecting the two of you. I’ll make certain you have a business that you’re proud of before I find another job.”
I could tell almost instantly that he’d shut down emotionally, refusing to offer any sign of resistance. It was his defense mechanism, something he was damn good at.
“Understood,” he stated in a matter-of-fact tone. “For now.”
For now. He used the words as if he already owned me. The tickling sensations jetting throughout my body told me he was right.
Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
“What do you mean?”
“It means I’ll be watching you.”
His presence was larger than life, his authority not to be questioned.
When he started to turn, I held out my hand. “Wait. The roses. They’re beautiful.”
Savage lifted his head, studying me so intently I felt as if he was crawling inside my mind.
“You think so little of me that I wouldn’t put Lily’s life first. That’s not true. I will never place my niece’s life in danger. Neither will I allow anyone to ever hurt you. Including me.”
“What does that mean?”
“That means I’m handling the situation.”
With that, he walked out the door.
And out of my life.
“You fool,” I murmured, both to myself as well as to the hulking mass of a man who couldn’t budge on his emotions. He thought I didn’t want him in my life because of the discharge. That wasn’t the case. I couldn’t care less. I just…
What the hell are you doing?
The echo of my inner voice pinged off my eardrums, creating a wave of lightheadedness.
“I don’t know.” Great. Now I was talking back to her.
Why don’t you help him instead of acting like a lovesick puppy dog?
Hissing, I closed my eyes. He’d never forgive me for interfering. Never. However, if I gave him back his honor, would that be enough to erase the pain of losing him forever? The answer wasn’t one I was willing to process.
I stood in the same place for almost five full minutes, a part of me hoping he’d walk back through the door, the other willing my legs to become unfrozen, enabling me to run after him. Neither had occurred. It was good to hear Galen had tried to bring down the ruthless regime, but what price was Savage willing to pay to keep his brother’s name clear? Admirable but dangerous.
