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I don’t doubt her ability to take care of herself, but the thought that something could happen to her turns me murderous.

“Why don’t you come work for me?” I ask before I even think it through. It would mean war with the Council. The knowledge doesn’t deter me.

“Are you insane?” she screeches. “Don’t you ever say something like that again. I pledged my loyalty to Augustus. You might stay alive if you bring me that information and I will make sure you’ll be off his radar, but I am in this for the rest of my life.”

She hops off the bed and picks up my shirt, avoiding my glance. Fuck, but the sight of her in my clothes puts me on my knees.

“Luciana, fucking look at me,” I command.

She does reluctantly and puts both of her hands on her waist.

“I am afraid of fucking no one. I’ve always fought for what I want. They have people like you doing their dirty jobs. I can kill each of them with my bare hands.”

“There’s a balance in the underground. If you mess with it, it won’t end well.”

I cock my head. “Maybe I should get my seat back then.” The thought has crossed my mind over the years, but it sounds more and more appealing.

“Don’t you dare.”

“Why?”

No one can stop me once I make up my mind. I am so desperate to keep her, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do.

“Why the sudden interest?”

“Maybe I want to expand my empire. I am a businessman, after all.”

She shakes her head at me, and I roll out of bed, going to the bathroom. She follows me and I turn on the water in the tub before searching the cabinet for some bath oils.

As I pour in a small amount, she leans against the doorframe. “What are you doing?”

“Preparing you a bath. I take care of my people. Would the Council do the same?” I grit out, mad at her stubbornness and refusal to accept facts.

“I am who I am because of them. I am untouchable because of Augustus.”

My jaw tightens, hating that she even pronounces the name of another man in my vicinity.

“If you were honest with yourself, you’d realize that your celibacy is your way of saying you hate men because one made you into who you are, so you refuse to let another one have power over you ever again.”

She thrusts a finger in my face, her entire body shaking. I hit a nerve.

“Get out, or I’ll kill you.”

“I won’t. And killing me will get you in trouble. I own the hotel, this fucking city. You won’t escape in time.”

“How are you so sure?”

I get in her face and grab her wrist, pointing her finger at a slight bulge next to my collarbone.

“It’s a chip, and if my heart stops, it will send my last location. This whole place will go on lockdown.”

She tilts her head, her brows furrowing. She appears more intrigued than afraid of the implications.

“Why would you trust someone like that?”

“There’s no relationship without trust.” It’s all I say. Mika and my sister have it. We can’t have a repeat of what happened.

“It’s better not to trust anyone,” she murmurs.