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“I’m under the protection of the Four Families… but it’s Alana. And if I’m being honest, she’s more terrifying than all four of the families put together.”

“How does Alana know the Four Families? Was it through Uri?”

“No. From the few interactions I’ve had with the other family members, I think she’s close with Thiago.”

Hmm, the Four Families have been on my radar for a while, but there are whispers about a new group moving in. More dangerous. If the Four Families have been protecting Dimitri and Ian, then I’ll look out for them too.

I step out of his arms. “I should go.”

He opens his mouth, but closes it and turns away from me. “Work first.”

“Your safety first.”

I’m doing all of this for him. But my memories of him are getting blurry around the edges. I need a reminder, somethingto put my mind’s eye in high definition. “I never kissed you goodbye,” I whisper.

He turns back, his hands on my hips, and his eyes become unfocused. “I am well aware.”

I step into his space, breathing in his scent, feeling his breath on my skin. My body lights up as I grow bold enough to wrap my arms around his neck. The black and green corset I’m wearing puts my breasts on display. He snakes a hand through my hair as he pulls me closer. My lips graze against his until I can finally taste him. He is like the best ice cream on a summer day—my skin is hot, my lips cold, and a thousand pinprick explosions erupt all over my body.

He lifts me up by my ass and groans as he pulls me as close to him as possible, his lips never breaking contact. It’s a kiss that makes me believe my choice was right. I love him and he is worth saving. And I miss him with every fiber of my soul.

He pulls away, breaking our lip connection but stares directly into my eyes.

“I don’t ever want to kiss you goodbye,” I whisper. “Only hello.”

His soft and kissable lips curl at the corners. “Hello.” He brushes his lips against my forehead. “You should go work.” He pauses. “Um… not that it’s my business…”

“Oh I’m fucking that guy as much as I fucked Uri.” I wink at him. “I’ll be in touch.” My hand lingers on his chest as I walk away from him and head out the door.

Guilt clenches my heart, and I decide walking away from him is my least favorite activity.

Chapter

Twenty-Four

Dimitri

By the time I get home, I’m all sorts of fucked up. The rest of my shift is sort of a fog as I try to process what the hell happened. I don’t remember talking to anyone after she left, although I’m sure I did. I don’t remember closing up the club. I don’t remember leaving. I just remember her. Katya. She’s here. In the States. Not Europe. There’s no ocean and time zone separating us.

And she’s working.

I sit in my car and ponder what that could mean.

Does she sleep with guys for information? Women lie to me all the time—why would I ever assume she’s any different?

Because she is.

Do I believe her when she says she’s doing this for me?

I do.

Will I ever see her again? Does she expect me to move on with my life or wait for her?

Seeing her tonight didn’t put anything at ease, didn’t answer any questions. It only made everything more hazy.

I know I didn’t get Tawny’s number. She went into the Playroom with a guy I’ve seen a few times. Do I care? Not even a little bit.

When I walk in the door, Uri’s still awake. He’s watching the same documentary about Lena Goodlove and Amanda Chase. It’s all about their rivalry. He watches it whenever he’s in a bad mood. And lately, there’s only one reason that could be.