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His hand brushes over his chin. “Are you going to hold that against me forever?” He lets out a chuckle and I stand, going into my room.
I don’t bother closing the door, knowing it won’t bar him, and keep my back to the bedroom entrance. I change out of my shirt and slip into a nightgown before shimmying out of my shorts.
“Look at us bickering like an old married couple,” he says from behind.
Max is completely clueless. “Not a couple, Max. Just a girl with her stalker.”
Fuck me, now I’m sounding like him.
I slip under my covers. “Lock the door on your way out, and turn off my light please.” The room grows dark instantly and my heavy eyes are no match for the darkness. I fall asleep within seconds, knowing I’m safe with Max here.
Chapter 13: Sienna
I’vebecomeusedtoMax’s presence everywhere. I see him as I walk to work, in the far distance, just watching. When I don’t see him, my body naturally tenses, always looking for trouble.
Even tonight, he’s in the dark shadows of the ballroom, just watching, brooding. It sends an inexplicable shiver down my spine.
“You cold?” Dante asks, taking a break from talking to another man. I could tell him right now and Max would be history.I can take care of myself. Dante has been so kind and welcoming to me, there’s no point in dragging him into my mess. It wouldn’t be fair.
“No, just a shiver.” I stand, wanting to give myself some space, and I know Dante needs to talk business without me by his side.
My entire focus is on the way my skin warms with Max’s eyes on me. It’s the most ridiculous thing ever. I’m no better than the club girls back home. Straightening my spine, I work the room, keeping my attention on everyone I’m talking to. There’s no one I don’t talk to, because I know that everything in life is aboutwhoyou know, notwhatyou know.
My skin begins to chill and I already know Max has left. I don’t need to look in the shadows to be sure.
“You must be the prettiest girl here,” a man named Jameson compliments, kissing my hand. I already know his type and slip my fingers from his hold. He’s eyeing me like he knows who I am, and it makes me uneasy.
My muscles strain, but I keep my smile on my face. “Excuse me, my date, Dante, is waiting.”
He looks behind me, and it’s obvious Dante isn’t missing me. “Ah, yes, he and I go way back. Enjoy your night.”
I leave, walking straight to the bathroom. Each breath is difficult to take as I hold on to the counter and stare at myself in the mirror. No one knows who I am. Everything is fine.
My hands clumsily turn on the tap and splash water over my face. The need for the sanctuary of my small apartment calls to me for the first time since I’ve moved in a few months ago.
“You must be the most dangerous woman here.” The echo of a deadbolt sounds around me. I splash more water on my face, cleaning the mascara that has chosen to run, while ignoring Max. I can feel the energy vibrate off him as I pretend he’s not there. It eats at him, driving him crazy. I shouldn’t poke the bear but it helps to remind me that I’m here.
“If you let another man touch you, I’ll kill each and every one, including Dante.”
I’ve never dealt well with threats from anyone before. It has my tongue lashing out before I can think. “You would kill the man who you left me to for safekeeping when you can’t do your own job?”
“Can you handle another death on your conscience?” he counters with a predatory gleam in his eyes.
“Another? When was the first one?”
“When they threw you in the swamp and laughed.”
I freeze, slowly turning toward him. “Excuse me?” I ask shakily.
“You heard me. Everyone that night who took advantage and laughed at you is gone. You’re welcome.” His voice is hard with an edge. Looking into his eyes, his face is set like stone, serious, and absent any signs of a joke.
“Dante is a good man,” I choke out, not wanting him to be harmed.
Max steps closer to me, grasping my chin with his fingers. “I know. He’s my brother, but when it comes to you, no one gets any leniency. I have no problem killing him and sleeping like a baby afterwards.”
“You would kill your own brother?” I say in disbelief, not realizing the family connection.
He’s staring me in the eyes, his grip strong. “I would kill anyone for you.”
