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"But you don't know for sure?" Her eyebrow lifts with the question.

"No."

"Are you going to…" she trails off, not saying the words that we're all thinking.

Why haven't I killed the witness?

"No. That's not an option."

Madi nods. "Good. So then, what are you going to do?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"Do you love her?"

I hiss out a breath, shocked by the question. Do I love the girl I'm forcing to live with me? The one who I'd do anything for to make her smile? The one whose lips I'm desperate to taste?

I can't be falling for her.

It's not safe to be with me.

"No," I answer, even if it tastes wrong on my tongue.

Madi smiles like she knows I'm a liar. "Well then, can I meet her?"

I'm about to sayabsolutely fucking notwhen my phone rings. I fish the device from my pocket, seeing Roman's name flashing on the screen.

"Yeah?" I answer, forgoing the greeting.

"Boss, we got a problem. Olivia's grandfather is losing his shit."

I leave Madi and Adrian quickly, hopping in the Escalade and telling Donnie to gun it to the bar. The thought of Olivia in distress or danger has my heart pounding.

Why am I feeling like this?

Why do I care so much?

That stupid organ inside my chest aches as thoughts race through my mind about what she might be going through. It was hard enough for me losing my grandfather, especially knowing that the cancer could take him any day. But Olivia is watching hers slowly lose his mind. And now, with him becoming aggressive, having a single nurse with him might not be enough.

But I doubt she's going to want to discuss other options. Even if I offer to pay for the best care facility in New Orleans, I know she'll say no.

She's going to want to take care of him herself.

And the person stopping her from doing just that is me.

But I'm a selfish bastard, because the idea of letting her go feels equivalent to someone prying my ribs open and yanking my heart out.

I'm not letting her out of my grasp. Not now. Maybe not ever.

But that's a silly idea. Because I know being with me isn't safe. The best thing for her is to stay in my protection, but somehow also far away from me. Only, those two things can't happen at the same time.

I need to make a choice.

Protect the girl or walk away for good.

Like I said, I'm a selfish bastard.

I don't think I can walk away.