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So subtle in her irises, and yet I found myself taken aback by the strong feeling of detest I felt knowing it’d been me she’d feared.
Even then, I didn’t move.
She wanted to be partners. Fine. I would show her the venom of the demon inside me and rot the idea.
“All I ask for is respect.” Her tone stayed sharp. “I don’t need your money, presents, jewelry, or even your presence.” Katia’s words carried a fight she’d never won before me. “Respect.” One word, and yet she craved it more than she could express.
She’d been underestimated in our world for being a woman. Taken for granted by being born into the mafia world. Traded and dehumanized.
All she asked for was respect, and I understood her. It was what I’d fought for since I turned fourteen.
“And in return?”
Her eyes closed, and I clenched my hair-laced hand for her to watch me, eager for her answer.
“Everything.”
Everything.With just one word from her, I could rejoice. Because I knew if I gave her the one thing no one has ever given her, shewoulddo anything. Her loyalty and trust would be in me. If only for seeing her for who she was. As the king of the syndicate and with the power I held, to do such a thing would earn it. Making it a sealed vow. All for respect.
It’s how I’d earned my brothers, whose bond was unbreakable. I gave them what no one else did. Life, family, respect.
I fought between wanting to break her and making her pay for what her family had taken from me. But my resolve was weak the more I saw the same Vitelli name take away so much from her. And it was her own blood.
Katia had no one.
Before I could trust my words, I said, “Okay.”
Another promise I had to keep.
Eyes wide and vivid scanned my face. Surprised and optimistic, Katia’s smile broke free.
Fuck her, she made me smile.
She closed her eyes with a head shake and allowed her head to fall against my chest.
Jesus, this woman.
“Don’t reel in victory just yet, Katia.”
Her laugh was muffled through my blazer, and my grip loosened on her hair, giving her a moment longer with joy.
It was then that I realized how much I liked seeing it on her.
One thing remained, and I was ready to break the developing feelings from furthering into nonsense inside me.
“I won’t rush you but know I can’t wait forever.”
I hadn’t meant now, even though all I wanted to do at this moment was bury myself deep inside her. Hard and fast. Punishing her with cruel pounds for getting her way. For making me smile and driving me into undeniable desire.
“I know,” she said into my chest.
Katia might see this as a win, but I warned how sex with me would ruin her. She should have heeded my words. Now it was too late.
She would see more than sex. She would want more than sex.
Women always did.
“I won’t make love to you,” I stated.
