Page 99 of Ruined By Protection
"But I was just running scared again." My hands find the front of his shirt, clutching the fabric. "I'm so tired of being afraid, Matteo."
His arms encircle me, pulling me against his chest. I can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, as he rests his chin on top of my head.
"Then let me be afraid for you," he says, his voice rumbling through his chest wall. "Let me carry that for a while."
I close my eyes, breathing in his scent. For this moment I allow myself to believe it's possible. That I can hand over my fear to someone else, just for a little while.
More tears slip free, soaking into his shirt. He strokes my hair, patient and soothing as I cry out the confusion, the hurt, the exhaustion of the past days.
When I finally quieten he pulls back just enough to look at my face. His thumb traces the curve of my cheek, wiping away the lingering wetness.
"Better?" he asks softly.
I nod, suddenly self-conscious about my tear-stained face and red eyes. "I must look a mess."
The corner of his mouth lifts in that half-smile that makes my heart skip. "You look like a goddess warrior who's been through battle."
"Some warrior," I say with a watery laugh. "Warriors don't break down crying in gardens at two in the morning."
"The best ones do," he counters, his eyes never leaving mine. "It means they're still human under all that armor."
For the first time in what feels like forever, my mind clears and it feels like the puzzle pieces are finally clicking into place.
"I'm done running," I say, my voice steadier than I expected. "Elliott's threatening my family because he knows it's the one thing that will make me fold." My voice grows stronger with each word. "He knows I'd sacrifice myself to keep them safe. That's what he's counting on. That ends now," I say with finality. "Whatever it takes."
CHAPTER 30
Matteo
Istare at Hazel.
Fuck. She's magnificent when she's like this—all fire and steel beneath that delicate exterior. The tears still glisten on her cheeks but her eyes have hardened with resolve.
My gaze travels down her body without my permission—taking in the curve of her neck, the rise and fall of her chest as she breathes, the nipped waist and swell of her hips. Even in borrowed clothes, with her hair tangled from couch-sleep and face flushed from crying, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
When my eyes return to her face I find her observing me, awareness dawning in her expression. A slight blush creeps across her cheeks as she realizes exactly what I'm thinking.
I step closer, drawn to her like gravity. "We could go upstairs" I suggest, my voice rougher than I meant. "Take some time to... reconsider our options."
Her lips part slightly, a small gasp escaping as she catches my meaning. The blush deepens, spreading down her neck.
"Matteo," she whispers, my name sounding like both a question and an answer on her lips.
Blood rushes in my ears. The garden around us fades away until there's nothing but Hazel—her scent, her warmth, the pulse visibly fluttering at her neck. I want to taste that pulse point, to feel her heartbeat against my tongue.
I don't wait for her to change her mind. I scoop Hazel into my arms, cradling her against my chest. She weighs almost nothing, her body warm and soft against mine.
"Matteo!" she gasps, her arms instinctively wrapping around my neck.
I don't respond, just stride purposefully across the garden toward the house. Her clothes cling in the breeze, exposing more of her legs with each step. The sight of her bare skin makes my blood run hot.
"Someone might see," she whispers but the protest is weak.
"Let them," I growl, tightening my grip.
Her breath catches and her fingers dig into my shoulders. I feel her heartbeat accelerate against my chest as I carry her through the darkened mansion. The few security guards on night duty avert their eyes as we pass, knowing better than to acknowledge what they're seeing.
When we reach her room I kick the door shut behind us and set her on her feet. The moonlight streaming through the windows bathes her in silver, making her look ethereal. For a moment, I just drink her in—the tousled honey-blonde hair, those hazel eyes wide with anticipation, the way her chest rises and falls in plump bounces with each quickened breath.
