Page 36 of Ruined

"I don't understand," Damiano corrects me. "But I'm giving you room to explain yourself. Don't mistake that for approval."

"I know. And I'll pay you back for this, Damiano. Whatever it costs."

Something shifts in his expression—a hardness I rarely see directed at me. "Yes, you will."

I nod. "I understand."

"Good." Damiano gestures toward the door. "Now get out of my office before I change my mind about letting you walk out of here."

I rise, leaving the empty glass on his desk. There's nothing more to say. I created this mess and now I'll deal with the fallout. I turn and walk toward the door, feeling Damiano's eyes on my back.

The hallway feels too bright after the dimness of Damiano's office. I pull the door closed behind me and pause, exhaling slowly. Two weeks suspension. It could have been worse. Much worse.

"So, you're still alive. Interesting."

I look up to find Lucrezia leaning against the wall, arms crossed over her chest. Her dark eyes study me with that particular blend of curiosity and judgment she's perfected.

"Disappointed?" I ask.

She pushes off the wall, moving closer. "Just surprised. My brother doesn't usually let people walk away after they put our family at risk."

I clench my jaw. "Your brother handled it."

"For now." Lucrezia tilts her head. "She must be special, this Evelyn. To make you lose your mind like this."

"I didn't lose my mind."

"Really?" She gives me a knowing look. "The Noah Rivera I know doesn't act without orders. Doesn't take risks withoutcalculating every angle." She steps closer, lowering her voice. "Doesn't kidnap women from charity events."

"I didn't kidnap her. I saved her."

"Same difference in our world, isn't it?" She studies my face. "Just be careful, Noah. When men like you suddenly develop feelings, people tend to get hurt."

I don't bother correcting her assumption. "I need to go."

Lucrezia nods, stepping aside. "Of course you do. Your captive awaits."

I move past her without another word, heading for the exit. I've spent enough time away from my apartment. From Evelyn. And with Ivan's men searching the city, I can't afford to be gone much longer.

CHAPTER 11

Isit cross-legged on Noah's sofa. Matteo leans against the bookcase, watching me with undisguised curiosity. The silence stretches between us, uncomfortable and thick.

"So," Matteo finally says, "how are you enjoying your stay at Hotel Rivera?"

I glare at him. "About as much as I'd enjoy a root canal."

"That bad?" He grins, completely unfazed by my hostility. "Noah's place is nicer than most five-star hotels in the city."

"The accommodations aren't the issue." I encircle my violin case in my arms. "It's the whole kidnapping situation I find problematic."

Matteo laughs, the sound unexpectedly warm. "Noah told me you had fire. I see he wasn't exaggerating."

"Is that why you're here? To observe the captive in her natural habitat?"

"I'm here because Noah asked me to babysit." He walks closer. "Though I prefer to think of it as providing security."

"I don't need a babysitter."

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