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Without waiting for his response, I guide Eve away from him, my hand firm against the small of her back. As we move toward the dining table, I lean close to her ear. “You handled that well.”

She lets out a shaky breath. “Well, I can’t show weakness now can I.”

“I won’t let him hurt you,” I murmur, turning to face her as the music begins. “You’re under my protection now.”

Her emerald eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of fear and determination.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?”

The sarcastic tone of her words tugs at my lips, and I can’t fight the smile that forms. It gives me hope too.

Maybe—just maybe—our marriage will turn into something more than just a protection scheme.

Maybe she’ll learn to see me as more than a man living outside the law and see me as a man who genuinely cares for her—her husband.

Eve stands in the foyer,still wearing her wedding dress though she’s kicked off her heels hours ago. The soft lightingcasts shadows across her face, highlighting the uncertainty in her emerald eyes.

I want nothing more than to carry her upstairs and worship every inch of her body, to claim her properly as my wife. But Nicolo’s presence at our wedding changes everything. I need to handle this tonight before it gets out of control.

I also need to have a talk with my security detail. Nicolo is intimidating but there’s still no excuse for them letting him in.

Eve shifts her weight from one bare foot to the other, her fingers twisting the fabric of her dress. “Are you …” She pauses, biting her lower lip. “Will you be joining me tonight?”

The vulnerability in her voice tears at something deep in my chest. It’s not the begging I demanded it would take to get me to fuck her, but it’s clear she’s willingly requesting I take her tonight.

For a moment, I consider saying fuck it and taking her upstairs. But I can’t. Not with Nicolo’s threat hanging over us.

“No,” I say, my voice coming out harsher than intended. “I’ve got other business to attend to.”

The light in her eyes dims, and she takes a small step back. Disappointment radiates from her in waves. Despite the distance she’s attempting to put between us, the scent of her natural perfume mixed with the lingering scent of gin still hits me. It’s intoxicating, and I have to clench my fists to keep from reaching for her.

Instead, I lean down, press my lips softly against her forehead. Her skin is warm, and the scent of her earlier release still lingers. The intimacy of the moment nearly breaks my resolve.

“Later,” I whisper against her skin before pulling away.

I turn and walk toward my office, every step weighing me down like lead. Her confused stare burns into my back, but Idon’t look back. I can’t. If I do, I might not have the strength to leave her alone on our wedding night.

My footsteps echo against the hardwood as I enter my office where Seb, Eli, and Micah are already waiting. Leather and aged whiskey fills my nostrils as I close the heavy door behind me.

“Nicolo’s coming,” I announce, my voice tight with tension. “And he’s bringing his guards with him.”

Seb curses under his breath, running a hand through his dark hair. “How long do we have?”

“Any minute now.” I move behind my desk, pulling out the bottom drawer where I keep my gun. It’s comforting in my grip as I check the clip. “I suspect he wants answers about Gio’s death.”

“We cleaned it up well,” Micah says from his position by the window. His massive frame casts long shadows across the floor. “Nothing ties back to us.”

“Doesn’t matter.” I holster the weapon beneath my tuxedo jacket. “We will deny our involvement, but Nicolo knows. The question is what he plans to do about it.”

Eli shifts in his chair, his dark eyes narrowed. “Want me to get Eve out of here?”

“No.” The word comes out sharp. “She stays. Moving her now would only confirm his suspicions. Besides, she’s safer here. We can protect her.”

“What’s the play then?” Seb asks, leaning forward.

“We prepare. Micah, secure the perimeter. Eli, find out who let Nicolo and get rid of them. Then stay close to Eve and Leo—they’re your priority. Seb, you’re with me when Nicolo arrives.” I pause, meeting each of their gazes. “If this goes south, then you get Eve and Leo out. No matter what happens to me.”

The unspoken loyalty fills the room as my men nod their understanding. We’ve been through hell together but tonight might test us like never before.