Page 35 of Ruined

"All of which will proceed without you," Damiano cuts me off. "Matteo will handle your responsibilities."

Behind me, Enzo makes a sound that might be satisfaction.

Damiano catches my eye, then glances toward Enzo and Alessio. "Leave us."

"But—" Enzo starts.

"Now." Damiano's voice leaves no room for argument.

Alessio nods, already moving toward the door. Enzo lingers a moment longer, eyes narrowed at me before following Alessio out. The heavy wooden door clicks shut behind them.

Silence fills the room. Damiano walks to the liquor cabinet in the corner, pulls out two glasses and a bottle of scotch. He pours two fingers in each, slides one across the desk toward me.

"Sit down, Noah."

I take the seat across from him, leaving the scotch untouched.

Damiano drops back into his chair with a heavy sigh. "All these years. How many times have you put your life on the line for this family? For me?"

I don't answer. We both know.

"Moscow. That mess in Miami. The Triad situation. Sienna's situation." He takes a sip, eyes never leaving mine. "You've had my back through all of it."

"It's my job."

"No." Damiano sets his glass down with a sharp thud. "It's more than that. We both know it. Which is why this hurts more." He leans forward. "I will have your back with Ivan. I will protectthis woman if she needs it. But I need something from you in return."

I wait.

"Complete honesty. No more of this lone wolf shit." Damiano's eyes harden. "You come to me first. Every time. No exceptions."

"I couldn't risk?—"

"You couldn't risk what? That I'd say no?" Damiano cuts me off. "That I'd hand her over to Ivan? Is that what you think of me?"

The accusation stings because he's right. I didn't trust him with this. With her.

"You've been watching this woman for months," Damiano continues. "Don't think I haven't been aware. This isn't just business for you."

I clench my jaw but say nothing.

"I don't care what she is to you. But I care about this family's survival." Damiano leans back. "So here's how this works. Your suspension stands. But I need to know where she is, and I need to know you'll come to me with everything from now on."

I reach for the scotch, finally taking a sip. The burn matches the heat in my chest.

"She's at my place. Matteo's watching her."

Damiano nods. "And Ivan? What's his interest in her?"

"She has signed a contract with him. Exclusively. He doesn't share his things."

"And now you've taken one of his things."

I feel my jaw tighten. "She's not a thing."

A ghost of a smile touches Damiano's lips. "No, she's not. Which is why we're having this conversation instead of me putting a bullet in your head for risking my family."

I drain the rest of the scotch and set the glass down. "Thank you for understanding."

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