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“They’re fine. Right?”

“Groggy, but okay. You’ll need to tell me what you used. Maybe I’ll try that at some point.”

“I won’t provide you or anyone else with all my tricks. Now that we’ve dispensed with the niceties, why don’t you take off your jacket so we can have a nice long chat.”

“Why did you drug them?” he asked, taking his time to remove his jacket.

I found myself studying him, but not to ensure my safety. His arm muscles filled out the shirt, his chiseled chest muscles showing through the thicker material. It was impossible not to think of him as gorgeous. “It was necessary to discover what you weren’t telling me.”

“A necessary evil.”

“An acceptance of the old ways. Women are to be seen while keeping their mouths shut and remaining in the dark. Right? To you, I’m nothing but an object.”

“I think you know me better than that, Carmella. What you did could have caused an implosion within two regimes.”

“Because you’re lying to everyone, including me.”

“Because not everything is what it seems to be. You need to try and trust me.”

I laughed. “You certainly haven’t allowed me time to develop even a tiny bit of trust. Today is no exception. I think… No, I know you need to tell me everything or I will do what’s necessary.”

“Shoot me?”

“If I have no choice.” I could tell by his expression I’d never be able to shoot him and live with myself. But I had to keep an indifferent front. My stomach churned, the trickle of fear mixing with adrenaline, which kept me on edge. I was no fool. Soon, I’d have a slide into another wave of fear and uncertainty. “So talk. I want the truth.”

A lump formed in my throat. I was angry, but I couldn’t see myself shooting him. Maybe.

“Is it alright if I get a drink?”

“Help yourself. It might be your last.”

“You truly plan on killing me?” he asked with all the charm he’d highlighted at the wedding and beyond.

“That depends on how you act and how many lies you tell me.”

Alejandro took his time as he headed for the bar, using it to roll up his sleeves as he’d done before. When he was finished, I could swear he was flexing his arm muscles on purpose. He pulled a glass and tipped his head over his shoulder to look at me. “There’s one little problem with that plan.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re not a killer. You’re a healer. Plus, you took an oath in your profession.”

“Only for good people.”

He chuckled and poured a hefty amount of scotch. It was still midafternoon and we were drinking. But this point, I had to believe we both needed some liquid courage. I know I did.

“So I’m no longer good people?” he dared to ask me.

I rarely snorted, but around him, the sound came easily. Today especially. “You’re hardly a good man, Alejandro. If that’s your real name.”

His eyes flashed. Great. I was preparing to launch into every single lie I thought he’d conjured up. “Because I’m considered a criminal.”

“There’s no considering it. You are a criminal. A cold-blooded killer. But the reason you’re not a good man is because you’re a lying sack of shit.”

With the drink in his hand, he moved closer and for the first time since he’d entered the room, I stiffened. I wasn’t afraid of him. I was terrified of what his presence did to me.

At least he didn’t try to crowd my space as he sat down on the couch opposite me.

“I never denied I was, Carmella. You know that.”