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My grip tightens on the cup, willing myself to stay put and behave.
Behind me, the door to my office opens. I tear my gaze away from Antonella and look over to see my cousin, Ava, heading over to me. Her honey-colored hair is pinned back from her face with two barrettes.
As my underboss, Ava isn’t your typical right-hand. Her soft features cover up her deadly charm. She knows how to use it against our enemies and lull them into a false sense of security. It makes it so simple for her to slip something into their drinks without them noticing.
The perfect viper.
Her dark eyes fix onto Antonella’s sleeping form. “She’s still out?”
I nod. “You used the powder.”
Ava nodded. “I gave it to her before they all left for the church.”
“She should wake soon, then.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ava put her hands on her hips. “You could finish up the rest of your paperwork.”
I wave my hand dismissively. “She looks peaceful like this. I don’t want to disturb her.”
“You haven’t done anything since we got here.”
I can’t help but grit my teeth and let out a low growl.
“Leave.”
She sighs at me in a way that only she can. If she were anyone else, I’d put my hand around their neck and show them the front door.
Without saying another word, Ava leaves my office, shutting the door behind her with a soft click. I relax again, knowing that Antonella and I are alone once more. She’s like a sleeping angel. So peaceful, so unaware of who is watching over her.
A demon.
She stirs slightly, moaning softly in her sleep and shifting on her spot on the couch.
I sit forward slowly, setting the cup down on the table next to me. I sink to my knees onto the plush carpet underneath in front of her. She relaxes again, drifting off into whatever dream is currently occupying her mind.
How I wish I could see what goes on in that pretty head of hers…
My thumb finds its way to her face, dragging along her thick bottom lip. These are the same lips that stole a kiss from me when I had least expected it. Our bodies had fit together perfectly as I pushed her up against that dirty wall. I remember the way she moved against me. My hands exploring every curve her body had to offer me.
I don’t want this woman to distract me. She’s my enemy’s daughter.
Not the object of my strange fixation.
I can’t stop my thumb from running over her cheeks to trace along the line of her lashes, tickling the pad of my thumb. I want her body in the worst way.
At my touch, Antonella’s eyes flutter open. Her pupils widen as they try to adjust and force through her disorientation. She will have no idea where we were. My townhouse is tucked into a hidden corner of Emerald Quarter, downtown. Very few people know of its existence.
I lean back to give her a little room but keep my finger trailing lightly over her skin.
I can’t help myself.
Suddenly, she bolts up from where she had been laying and presses herself flush against my couch. Her hands fly to the back of it to grip tightly. Her knuckles turn white and I let my hand fall down.
I reach out to her, pressing my palm to her chest, her heart races beneath my touch.
She slaps my arm away.
“You,” she grits out. “Who are you?”
