Page 50 of Devious Truth

Even if it hurts.

She grabs my wrist with a gasp, staring down at my hand. My swollen knuckles are an ugly black and blue. Thin scabs have formed over the few places they split open.

“What did you do?” She brings her eyes up to mine, and I can see she already knows. “The shooter?”

“Last night wasn’t supposed to end the way it did.” I slide my hand free of her grasp.

“If your family is fighting with the DeAngelo family, why did Kaz go to that restaurant? Was he trying to provoke them?”

“What do you mean?”

“The owner’s son is engaged to Maria De Luca. Marco’s father was her godfather.” She hesitates a moment, a fresh blush touching her cheeks. “That’s what Elana said, anyway.”

“How does she know?” This conversation is giving me whiplash.

“I don’t know, she didn’t say.”

My little sister has cried for years that she wants nothing to do with Volkov business. She’s made it her mission to go through life never being part of this world we’ve created, so why would she have that sort of information?

“I’m not sure if Kaz knew about that. But it only goes to show that it’s dangerous right now. Maybe you should consider staying with me for a while.”

Her jaw drops. “Absolutely not. Why would I do that?”

“Because.” I grab hold of her chin, ignoring the pain shooting up from my knuckles. “I will do anything to keep you safe.”

For a long moment, her eyes bore into mine.

“I’m not yours to protect.” She shoves my hand away and slides to the side to put space between us. “Last night was a one-time thing. It was a job; that’s all it was.”

The memory of her scent still clings to my soul. I’ve fucked women who had no connection to me outside wanting physical satisfaction. What transpired between Vivienne and me last night was nothing like that.

“Do you remember what I said about lying?”

“Are you threatening me again? You’ll throw me over your knee?”

There’s a spark in her eye that doesn’t match the sass in her voice. That wall of hers has a crack in it, and being the bastard I am, I’m going to exploit it for all it’s worth.

“Do you want me to? Do you want me to punish you? Will that make it easier for you to open up, to be honest with yourself and to me?” I want nothing more in this moment to do exactly that. And if pushing her helps bring her to a place where she’s safe to open herself to me is what she needs, I won’t deny her.

Having her over my lap, her perfect ass propped up on one knee, that fucking uniform shoved up to her hips exposing her beautiful curves… My cock is unbearably hard already, and I haven’t touched her yet.

“You can’t say things like that to me.” She wets her lips, contradicting herself again.

Does she have any idea of what she wants? Maybe she thinks she needs to deny herself.

“Why?”

“Because it’s not appropriate. You’re my boss.”

“Not this again.” It’s a tired excuse, and I swear if I have to fire her to have her, I will.

If I have to keep her from getting a job anywhere in the city, I can, and I will if it means keeping her at my side. Where I know she’s safe. Where I can be sure she’s taken care of.

This obsession of mine has moved past the realm of curiosity. I crave this woman. And nothing—not even her—is going to stand in my way.

“It’s still true.”

“Vivienne, I don’t care if you work for me. You’re a smart woman; you know that. It’s an excuse, a thin shield you’re trying to put in front of yourself.” Cupping her face, I draw her into me, bringing my lips right to hers before whispering, “And it’s not going to work anymore.”

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