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Most of my meals are either eaten out or in my office.

“Thank you,” she says shyly as I pull away from the stove.

I curl my lips.

It’s not a full smile but halfway there.

“I’m going to run upstairs and change,” I tell her.

Her lips curl up, matching mine for a moment before turning into a full-on smile.

I jog upstairs to change into gray sweats and a sweatshirt.

As I wash my face, I stare at myself in the mirror. Little by little, I finally release the smile that started building in the kitchen.

But then I suddenly drop it.

This dark heart of mine isn’t supposed to warm like this.

I can’t fall in love with Genesis.

I’m not capable of being a good partner.

I’m selfish.

Business is always my main priority.

I disappear for days sometimes.

I’d also be putting Genesis more in harm’s way.

Enemies don’t give a shit about wives when their husbands hate them.

But when husbands love their wives?

They become the biggest target.

There’s no way to ruin a man like taking the woman he loves.

Right now, she’s on Dima’s radar, but I’m hoping that’ll change once I pay off Yaroslav. Then, I need to make it a point to Antonio that she deserves the same protection as the other women.

Genesis is sacrificing a life of love for me.

The least I can do is make sure she’s always protected.

I feel my stomach growl, already thinking about the pasta.

I never imagined I’d get a surprise like this.

Morning peonies aren’t enough in return for something this sweet.

She deserves more.

Genesis is fucking with my head, and I’m nervous she’ll find a way to do the same with this cold heart of mine.

25

I was sonervous for Julian to try the sauce.