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It takes a ridiculous amount of restraint not to express my surprise when Scarlet walks in.
“Hi,” she whispers, her eyes darting all around the room.
My heart starts to pound in my chest. “Hi. Come, sit down.”
She shifts on her feet, clearly unsure if she wants to enter my lair. I don't pressure her. It’s going to be a waiting game with this Little girl. Normally I’m not a patient man, but for her, I’m trying. I've waited this long to find what I wanted. She's it. I have no doubt about that. She just hasn't realized it yet.
When she decides it’s safe, she takes a few tentative steps into the room before taking a seat across from me. I lean back in my chair, waiting for her to say something. Obviously she came to see me for a reason.
“I wanted to apologize. I haven't been fair to you. You saved my life, and I've been so rude. I'm sorry. I'm just…It's hard, you know? You're in the same business as he was. And while I still don't trust that you guys aren’t dangerous, I don't feel like it's fair to take my anger out on you. You helped me, and I'm forever grateful for that. So, I hope you can forgive me and maybe we can call a truce?”
I study her for a long moment. Long enough that she starts squirming under my scrutiny. When I stand and walk around my desk, leaning my hip against it, she gasps as she tilts her head back to meet my gaze.
I hold out my hand. “Truce.”
She eyes it for a second before she slides her delicate fingers into my palm. It feels like a shock of electricity runs through my body as soon as we touch. My cock twitches in my slacks.
“There's nothing to forgive, Little one. I understand where you're coming from. I'm not going to lie and say we're not dangerous men. We are. We're ruthless and not ones to be crossed. The one thing I can promise you is none of us would ever harm you or your sister. I've known Declan all my life. I've never seen him love anyone the way he loves Cali. We all love her. And because you're her sister, you’re loved by default. I know it's hard to believe, but wedohave your best interest at heart. Both of yours. Cali is my family now, and I would die to protect either of you.”
She lowers her face and twists her hands in her lap. I hate not seeing those brilliant blue eyes looking up at me.
“Okay. Well, uh, I just wanted to apologize. I'm all fucked up right now, and it's not you I'm angry at, but I took it out on you. I'm sorry.”
“Well, I’m pretty charming, so I imagine it’s hard to stay mad at me anyway.”
My attempt to lighten the mood works because she actually smiles and rolls her eyes. There’s my girl.
I wink at her. “Just know we're here for you. Whatever you need. I know you want to return to your life, but it's not safe yet.”
Her eyes go wide, and she looks up at me again. “What do you mean it's not safe? I thought you said he was going to die.”
“He did die. A slow, painful, satisfying death. Declan and I made sure of that. I'm not talking about him. The Russians have agreed to maintain our pact of peace, but we need some time to pass before we know for sure there won’t be any fallout. Even though you don't want to be here, it's for your own safety. Spend time with your sister. Catch up with her. Maybe get to know some of us guys. You might change your mind about us.”
A hint of a smile spreads, and the cutest dimple winks near the corner of her mouth. It makes me want to kiss her there.
“I don't think I'm going to change my mind about you, but I will spend time with my sister. Please don't ever hurt her. She's my everything.”
I slip my index finger under her chin so she can’t look away. “We will never hurt her, and we will never hurt you. I’ll repeat it as many times as needed until you finally believe it. Ivan was fucked in the head. If he’d been in our ranks, he would have died a long time ago. Unfortunately, he was the son of a long-time boss, so he got away with a lot more than he should have.”
She searches my face before she stands and steps out of my reach. “Thank you again for saving me. I’ll never be able to repay you.”
Even though I don't show it, that statement pisses me off. She doesn't have to repay me for anything. The only thing I want from her isher. I have a feeling she's never had that before. Not from anyone but her sister anyway.
When she makes her way to the door, I feel a sense of loss. I want her by my side at all times. One day, she'll be as attached to me as I already am to her. It's going to be a fight. I know it. She might be apologizing now, but Scarlet isn’t done giving me a hard time. I look forward to the challenge.
Before she moves into the hall, I go to her. “No more drinking on an empty stomach. Are we clear?”
She raises her gaze, a sparkle of mischief in her eye, and I feel a flood of relief. Ivan didn’t dim her light completely. There’s still some fire in there. I can’t wait to make her feel safe enough to let it burn.
I pin her with a stern look. “I mean it, Scarlet.”
“I know you mean it. I just don’t think I want to listen. Besides, my stomach wasn’t empty. We had Cheetos.”
This damn woman. I want to pull my hair out. I also want to kiss her smart mouth.
“Scarlet.” My tone is low and scolding. It would make most people tuck tail and run. But not this Little girl. Nope. She straightens her shoulders, lifts her chin, and smirks.
“Killian.”
