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He meets my eyes in an even stare. “If this is about your mom…”
“For a start, yes,” I reply, my blood like ice in my veins. “Are you even sorry they killed her?”
Nero doesn’t flinch. “They did what needed to be done. She should have known what would happen, betraying Roman,” he adds grimly. “These are the rules of the game.”
“Of your game.”
“Ours,” he corrects me. “You’re a Barretti too, now, and don’t you forget it,” He gives me frustrated scowl. “Look around, Lily. You seem pretty happy to enjoy the protection of the Barretti name when it suits you. Well, that protection is earned. Our name inspires fear and loyalty for a reason. And I’m getting pretty fucking tired of your judgement when that name is the only reason that you’re alive right now.”
I catch my breath, hating the truth in his words. “For your information, I’m not judging you,” I snap back. “I’m observing. You’re a killer, Nero. It’s a fact.” I count them off. “My mom. That guy you beat and left for dead, and now… Well, I doubt that Vance is going to survive whatever you’re planning. You’re a killer,” I repeat, with a cold fury. “How could I ever love a man like that?”
His expression darkens, and he moves closer until he’s just inches away. I want to back away, but I’m tired of cowering to him. There’s a fierce possession in his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine, despite myself.
“Don’t act so innocent, Princess,” he drawls, breath hot on my cheek. “You’re the same as me.”
“No,” I vow, shaking my head.
“Yes,” he insists, and it’s like he’s seeing right through me, into the dark of my deepest fears. “You’re a survivor, aren’t you? Trying your best to clean up your father’s past mistakes. You’ve already proven you’d do whatever it takes to protect your brother. Your family. There’s no line you won’t cross. No law you won’t break.”
I gulp, but I can’t deny what he’s saying. And Nero sees it in my eyes, he knows me better than anything.
“Yeah, I thought so, Princess,” he croons, leaning closer. “All my darkness, my violence… There’s a reason you can’t stay away. It’s because you know you’re capable of it, too. We’re bound together, you and me,” he vows. “We always have been. And the sooner you quit lying to yourself and admit it, the better.”
For a moment, we’re suspended there together in the dim kitchen lights. Then he reaches for me. His mouth is hot, demanding, and I part my lips on instinct, his tongue sliding deep against my own. Heat blooms inside as he yanks me closer, his hands sliding over my body, knowing exactly where to tease and caress as his mouth works its wicked magic.
I need him.
My traitorous body wants to give in to this, to take the pleasure that I know he can give me,. but my mind lingers on everything that’s wrong between us. My anger burns hotter than my passion, and I tear myself away, panting.
“No,” I manage, reeling back. “You’re wrong,” I insist. “I’m nothing like you!”
I turn to go, Nero’s mocking laughter following me to the door. “Tell yourself that if you want.
But we have a meeting tomorrow afternoon, and you better play the part of devoted wife. Don’t forget our deal. You want to keep Teddy safe, don’t you?”
A chill runs down my spine at the threat to my brother. I thought we were past this, that his safety wasn’t in question anymore.
I should have known better.
I turn. “You wouldn’t hurt him,” I say, but it comes out more like a question than a statement of fact.
Nero’s eyes are emotionless and his voice cold as he replies.
“Why not?” he asks. “You said it yourself: I’m a killer. Right?”
