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She told it to stay out of this.

Ella knew Mack Mazzini well enough to know he’d walk away from her again. When he’d taken what he wanted and given her what she’d always craved.

That would have to be enough.

CHAPTER TWELVE

MACK

“Code name Project Shadow. One team of five. Two assassins.” Brayden announced the next evening, glancing around the room as Mack’s heart pounded.

He wanted on the team, but he couldn’t get Ella off his mind.

I will not regret it.

Those golden eyes had haunted him all day as he’d tried to sleep. Ella never said a word when he kissed her and left. Almost as if she knew he’d leave.

Which made him feel like more of an ass.

But he couldn’t stay. Mack had to remain at the castle, close to the royal family, so he could pivot at any time. It wasn’t a rule that was normally enforced, nor had it been, but every warrior knew.

None of them wanted to learn the king had died while their dick was inside a hot female. Even if that female was his mate.

If he’d had any decency, he would’ve taken Ella home with him. But no, he’d left her lying in their soiled sheets and walked away, knowing she would be hurt.

His chest ached like a fucking truck was parked on it.

Adding to that, his wolf was scratching his insides and even a huge run this afternoon hadn’t done anything to calm it.

Both of them wanted her back in their arms.

He should have known that being intimate with her, finally scenting her sex, tasting her flesh, would change everything.

So much for just one night.

Mack had crossed a line he couldn’t undo and now he was trying to work out what the hell he should do.

The urge to call Ella to hear her sweet voice, and ensure she was okay, almost had him launching out of his seat. He should be laser focused on the briefing while waiting to find out he was going to Russia.

Being part of Project Shadow would be an honor.

Earlier, he’d rung his brother to see how things were going at the gym. He’d handed the reins over to Michael when Callan had come for him. But Mack still kept a regular eye on the books.

“Bro,” Michael answered. “Heard Ella was with you.”

Unbelievable. It had been no more than forty-eight hours since she’d arrived and already word had got back to his family.

“How?” he asked, despite knowing the answer.

“Mom talked to her mom. You know the drill.”

“How did you get looped into their knitting club gossip?” Mack growled.

Michael snorted. “Exclusive club, bro. Exclusive club. You need to know your cast on from your bind off.”

What?

There was no way his brother knew anything about knitting. He was more likely tothrow a fishing line into a riverthan—