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"I wouldn't want your ego getting too big."

He laughs, a genuine sound that makes my chest flutter. "Too late for that."

We move together in perfect rhythm, his body guiding mine effortlessly. Around us, other couples dance, but I barely notice them. In this moment, it's just us.

"Your family isn't what I expected," I admit.

"What did you expect?"

"I don't know. Cold-blooded killers, I guess."

Sam's hand tightens slightly on my waist. "We protect our own. Sometimes that means making hard choices."

I think about Lana's father, about the pain he caused her. About how Sam stepped in to help.

"I think I understand that now," I say softly.

He studies my face, curiosity evident in his eyes when they lock onto mine. "You're full of surprises, Olivia Marchese."

"So are you, Sam Costello."

Something has shifted inside me. The man holding me isn't just my captor anymore. He's complex, caring deeply for his family, willing to do anything to protect them. And somehow, I've begun to care for him too.

It terrifies me how easy it is to forget what brought us together in the first place. How natural it feels to be in his arms. But as we continue to dance, the past drifts away and I feel content in this moment, just us.

THIRTY-SIX

Sam

“You brought your witness to my wedding,” John deadpans as he brings a crystal glass of bourbon to his lips.

I can’t help but laugh at his bluntness. It’s true, I did bring my little witness with me. Lately, it feels like she’s becoming more than just a witness. A fact that both excites and worries me.

“I don’t need to hear how she’s a liability,” I say in jest, sipping my own bourbon.

“That’s not what I was gonna say.”

“No?” I chuckle. “I know you think I’m making a mistake.”

“I thought so. And I do think she’s a distraction, but…” He shrugs. “It looks like you’re really falling for her.”

The words surprise me, freezing the glass that’s on its way to my lips. I look out to the dance floor, finding Olivia with Madi and Lana. They’re laughing as they dance ridiculously to a Taylor Swift song that’s blaring from the DJ booth.

I smile at the sight of her like this, looking carefree for the first time since I’ve met her. I could get used to seeing her like this. I think I’d like to be the reason she’s happy and carefree.

Does that mean I’m falling for her?

Something nags at my chest, a reminder that this will never end well.

But something else sparks inside me. What if? What if this could work? What if we could be happy?

Her face lifts, finding me at the edge of the dance floor with John. She grins, waving a hand at me. That smile turns my insides into molten lava.

Beside me, John chuckles.

“Correction. You’ve fallen for her.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to dispute his claim, but I’m not sure I can.