Page 34 of Indigo Deception
She moves closer too, close enough that I can smell her perfume—something expensive and subtle. Not the department store scent she wore as Sarah. "You're not one of them."
"You sound awfully sure for someone who lied to my face for months."
Her lips curve slightly. "I'm sure because you've had a year to find me if you wanted revenge. You and I both know you could have. That I'm still breathing means something."
She's right. I could have found her anywhere. Some nights I pulled up her file, finger hovering over the keyboard. I told myself it was hatred that made me stop. Another lie.
"Why are you here, Gianna?" Her real name feels strange yet right on my tongue.
"I have a business proposition."
I laugh, the sound rusty and unfamiliar. "Jesus. You don't change, do you?"
"I can help you stay clean," she says. "The legitimate part of your business. The foundation. I can make sure no one ever gets close enough to find anything they shouldn't."
The goddamn audacity. "So you're my protector now?"
"I want to be in your life again." Her voice softens, and I see what this admission costs her. Gianna Rossi doesn't do vulnerability. Neither do I. "In whatever way you'll allow."
She searches my face, and I feel naked under her gaze. "Angelo, I know what I did was unforgivable. I came here tonight ready to beg if I had to."
I step closer, close enough to see the flecks of gold in her brown eyes. Close enough to touch her, though I don't trust myself to stop once I touch her.
"Tell me one thing," I demand, my voice rougher than intended. "Was any of it real? Those nights in my bed? That day at my father's house?"
Her eyes never leave mine. "All of it. That's why I couldn't finish the job. That's why I warned you about the Kovacs."
"You threw away your career."For me.The unspoken words hang between us.
"And you let me walk away." She holds my gaze. "We're even."
We stand in silence. A year ago, I would've walked away. Pride would've demanded it. But pride is cold comfort at 3 AM when you're reaching for someone who isn't there.
"I should hate you," I say finally, the truth spilling out before I can stop it. "I've tried. God knows I've tried."
"Why can't you?" she whispers, leaning close.
My control snaps.
I pull her against me and kiss her like I'm drowning and she's air. She tastes like champagne and redemption and home. Her hands slide into my hair, and I feel something broken inside me heal.
When we break apart, both breathing hard, I press my forehead against hers. "You destroyed me, Little Auditor," I whisper. "I can't sleep in my bed without reaching for you."
Tears fill her eyes. "I never thought—I didn't know if you'd ever forgive me."
"I forgave you the moment you warned me about the Kovacs." The admission feels like setting down a heavy weight I've carried for miles. "I've been so fucking angry because I couldn't stop loving you."
A tear slips down her cheek. "I thought I'd never see you again."
"I have a counterproposal," I smirk. "This charitable foundation needs a compliance officer. Someone ruthless, brilliant, and absolutely incorruptible."
She raises an eyebrow, but I see the hope she's trying to hide. "Are you offering me a job, Bellanti?"
"I'm offering you a job," I say, my mouth curving into what feels like my first genuine smile in a year. "And a key to my penthouse."
"And if I want more than just a job and a key?" Her boldness always undid me.
I brush a strand of hair from her face, letting my fingers linger on her cheek. "Then you've already got it. I never stopped loving you, even when I wanted to hate you."
