Page 84

I wanted to make a dig about us being in the same house—a domesticated paradise for killers.

“How long do you intend to keep me here?” I ask, perching my ass onto a high stool by the bar and pouring myself a glass of wine.

“Feel free to serve yourself. Anything else you’d like?” he asks, voice dripping with sarcasm.

“The company could be better,” I smile fakely, taking a sip. The blend of berries and something smoky creates a decadent flavor.

“What the fuck should I do with you?” he asks, but it’s more rhetorical.

I remain silent, letting him have a moment to process that I am here. He will conclude that it’s better to keep me in his vicinity.

I like this house. The silent luxury is apparent. I can already tell that the shower and bed will be divine just like the beauty products.

“Apparently, I can’t let you out of my sight. At this rate, I won’t have any men left.”

It takes everything in me not to nod, agreeing with him. Enzo craves my reaction, so he’ll have a reason to send me back. Not going back in that hole on my own.

This is your chance, Luciana, don’t blow it. I’ll manage with the dog.

“But then again, you don’t deserve this upgrade.”

The cruel asshole. My lips tremble with the desire to say something. Not reacting is the hardest thing.

“Hmm, decisions, decisions.”

He keeps me on my toes when we both know he’s keeping me. Now that we’re back to being in the same space and with him having all the apparent power, he can force me into this proximity. Not that I mind. Just seeing him and knowing I ruined us is the worst torment.

“You’ll stay here.”

I bite down on my lip not letting a single sound of satisfaction out and roll my eyes at him as if I hate the idea.

“Your games never worked on me. You can’t manipulate me,” he grits out.

I pin him with a glare. “I was giving you time to come to the same conclusion,” I snap back instead of yelling that I never played games. Not with him.

What the fuck am I doing? Playing with fire and ignoring the threat to burn me. But it’s better for my peace of mind, and apparently for my men, if she stays here, where I can keep an eye on her. I was on my way back when Lorenzo informed me about what happened.

I knew my men would hate having her here, but I trusted Lorenzo to have things under control. They would have never begun something if she didn’t start it.

While I never put a stop to the rumors, remaining silent on the topic, I can’t punish my people for being loyal to me. That would be fucked up, but seeing her cheek all red and a bit swollen makes me fucking murderous. At least she showed them what happens if they mess with her. They’re being treated by our doctor, some of them are in bad shape.

I have a full day tomorrow, so I stand up. She’s seated on the stool, one leg crossed over the other––the embodiment ofgrace and sexiness even in clothes that have seen better days.

“Lockdown,” I say, and the house responds to my command by shutting the metallic blinds, locking us in.

“Follow me.”

She walks behind while Kill struts next to me as we climb the stairs. Along the long hallway, I glance at the three doors, each leading to a room with an adjoining bathroom. On the far right is my bedroom and of the other two, one is a guest room and the other my home office.

Not that I bring guests here, but it felt like a waste of space, so I had them both added.

I open the door closest to my room.

By the window, I watch as she takes it all in, including the green velvet drapes that match the upholstered bed frame.

“Have you decided what my role will be because I won’t be a foot soldier,” she says, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

I move past the ottoman at the foot of the bed. I am so fucking exhausted I barely keep myself upright.