Most of my meals are either eaten out or in my office.
“Thank you,” she says shyly as I pull away from the stove.
I curl my lips.
It’s not a full smile but halfway there.
“I’m going to run upstairs and change,” I tell her.
Her lips curl up, matching mine for a moment before turning into a full-on smile.
I jog upstairs to change into gray sweats and a sweatshirt.
As I wash my face, I stare at myself in the mirror. Little by little, I finally release the smile that started building in the kitchen.
But then I suddenly drop it.
This dark heart of mine isn’t supposed to warm like this.
I can’t fall in love with Genesis.
I’m not capable of being a good partner.
I’m selfish.
Business is always my main priority.
I disappear for days sometimes.
I’d also be putting Genesis more in harm’s way.
Enemies don’t give a shit about wives when their husbands hate them.
But when husbands love their wives?
They become the biggest target.
There’s no way to ruin a man like taking the woman he loves.
Right now, she’s on Dima’s radar, but I’m hoping that’ll change once I pay off Yaroslav. Then, I need to make it a point to Antonio that she deserves the same protection as the other women.
Genesis is sacrificing a life of love for me.
The least I can do is make sure she’s always protected.
I feel my stomach growl, already thinking about the pasta.
I never imagined I’d get a surprise like this.
Morning peonies aren’t enough in return for something this sweet.
She deserves more.
Genesis is fucking with my head, and I’m nervous she’ll find a way to do the same with this cold heart of mine.
25
I was sonervous for Julian to try the sauce.