Page 15

He saw me naked!

I squeeze my eyes shut, while heat rushes to my face. He saw me, touched me, and bathed me like I was some helpless, broken thing. And worst of all? I had no say in it. No control.

Antonio DeLuna—a man feared by the entire underworld—took my clothes off, lifted me into his arms, and washed my body with his own hands. Another thought shoots through me like a lightning bolt. What else did he do while I was out? It doesn't burn when I pee, nor do I feel the telltale tightness I usually experience after sex, so I suppose he didn't touch methat way.

But hebathedme. Washed my hair.

That's a total violation, right?

He hasn’t strung me up. He hasn't cut me or hurt me in any way. Instead, he called a doctor, patched me up, let me sleep inhisbed, and cut his shirt for me.

Ah shit, why does this man have to be so complicated? I want to dislike him, but he's making it impossible.

As if he has me on radar, there is a knock on the door the moment I'm done.

"Are you okay?" Antonio calls from the other side of the door, reminding me that I've been sitting here musing for too long.

"I'm… just a minute," I call back, closing my eyes.

He enters, "What's wrong?"

Heat rushes to my face. It's not like he can see anything since the shirt covers me, but I'm still sitting on the damn toilet.

"I'm… I need to brush my teeth."Coward!

Hey, I'm not gonna lay into a mafia guy. Let me get a feel for the land first,I defend myself against myself.

He helps me off the toilet just to deposit me on the sink. I wash my hands as he pulls out a brand-new toothbrush from a drawer, unwraps it, and hands it to me with toothpaste and a cup. I brush my teeth while he watches me through the mirror with an intensity that sends goosebumps down my spine. When I'm done with my teeth, I channel my bravery. "So, you said I can call my dad?"

"Yes, let's get you back into the bedroom first."

He picks me up like a bride and carries me back into the bedroom one more time. I really, really shouldn't enjoy his strong arms around me. I tell myself it's just business for him—I'm just business. But he saved my life—something I haven't really addressed yet.

"I haven’t thanked you yet… for saving me."

His green eyes flick to mine, and they're unreadable. It’s like he’s measuring the weight of my words before deciding if they matter.

"No need to thank me." His voice is quiet, but firm. "Your father is the one who owes me."

A chill ripples down my spine at his admission. Of course. I'mjust business. But I don't understand why it bothers me so much.

It takes quitea bit of willpower not to return to the bathroom. Holding Scarlet in my arms felt like it was the most natural thing in the world, as if she belonged right there. It was hard letting her down, harder than it should have been. But something about her tugs at me, awakening very protective instincts. Watching her sleep inmybed, wearingmyshirt, brought up unexpected emotions. Emotions that I'm not quite ready yet to explore. I've seen what attraction and love can do to a man, and I'll never allow myself to be weakened like that. I'm not in danger of falling in love with her; I don't even know her. But the attraction is there. Undeniably.

I make my way into my closet to find something else for her to wear, keeping the damn IV in mind, and decide the only way to get something on her is to cut the sleeve. Instead of using a knife, I pull at the seam of one of my favorite shirts, relishing inthe sound of the material tearing apart, a sound that has a very unwelcome effect on my dick. I close my eyes, hoping to chase the thoughts entering my mind off, but instead, I see Scarlet sprawled out on my bed while I'm tearing her clothes off.

No woman has ever aroused me like this.

It doesn't help that she is the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. Perfect in every way. My phone rings as if the universe anticipated that I needed a break. Thank fuck!

"What?"

"I want to speak to my daughter." Judge Lambert announces without preamble.

"I'm afraid that's not possible at the moment. I'll have her call you later."

"That's not our agreement, Antonio."

"We don't have an agreement,Bruce," I reply coolly. I guess we are on a first-name basis now. "She's here, and she's safe. She will stay that way as long as you keep your part up."