Page 35

Her eyes narrow at my mention of Montana. Good. Let her think I'm resigned to her eventual departure. Let her believe I'd ever let her leave.
"And my brother?" she asks, testing me. "I won't leave him alone in that motel."
I bite back a smile. She's handed me the perfect opening. "Tony's welcome here. Might do him good to get away from those low-lives he calls friends. Get him into a better school district."
"You'd do that? Take us both in?"
"The boy needs structure. Guidance." My lips brush her temple. "And you need someone watching your back."
She shifts to study my face, searching for deception. I meet her gaze steadily, letting her see only what I want her to see—concern, generosity, desire. Not the desperation to keep her close. Not the plans already forming to make this arrangement permanent.
"It's a lot to consider," she hedges, but I hear the temptation in her voice.
"Consider this." I wrap a strand of her hair around my finger. "No more midnight rescues from sketchy bars. No more wondering if he's safe while you're at work. I have connections with the best private schools in Chicago. Could open doors for him."
Her breath catches. I've struck the right nerve—her fierce protectiveness of her brother, her dreams of giving him a better life.
"And what's in it for you?" she challenges, ever sharp.
I laugh softly against her skin. She still doesn’t realize how much I want her. It’s better this way. If she did, she’d have bolted out of here already. "Maybe I'm tired of rattling around this place alone. Maybe I want to come home to more than empty rooms and cold sheets." Each word is calculated, a blend of truth and tactical vulnerability.
She's quiet for a long moment. I wait, patient as a snake about to strike. Finally, she asks, "When?"
Victory surges through me, but I keep my voice level. "Tonight, if you want. I'll send Tomasso with a car and have the guest rooms made up." I press a kiss on her shoulder. "Let me take care of you both."
"Just until we find our feet," she says, but the words lack conviction.
I hide my smile against her skin. "Of course."
Because by the time she thinks about leaving again, she'll be so entangled in my world, so dependent on my protection, that escape will be impossible. I'll weave myself into every aspect of her life, become as essential as breathing.
"Yes," she says with a slight nod, more to herself than me.
"Practical choice," I say calmly, as if I haven't already instructed my security team to prepare for new residents.
Ava slides from the bed, gathering her clothes, and the sight makes me euphoric. Soon, she'll dress like this in our room, in our home.
"I should head back to the club," she says, reaching for her dance outfit. "My next set?—"
"That was your last number." The words come out sharper than intended. The thought of other men watching her makes me furious. If this job hadn’t been the reason she came into my club, I’d have never let her be on that stage. "Unless you'd prefer to keep dancing?"
She pauses, studying me. "Eager to get me moved in?"
I stand, reaching for my suit pants. "Eager to get you both somewhere secure." My fingers brush her waist as I pass. "I'll have Tomasso bring the car around."
"We don't have much," she warns, and I catch a hint of shame in her voice.
"Good." I button my shirt, mind already assessing what she'll need. "Means we can start fresh. Though if you have any sentimental items..."
"Just some photos. Books." She bites her lip. "Tony's school things."
I send a quick text to my staff. Within hours, both guest rooms will be fully prepared, stocked with everything they could need. "Leave the furniture. I'll have someone clear it out later."
She starts to protest, but I silence her with a kiss. "Let me do this,tesoro. Let me take care of you both."
My phone buzzes. It’s Tomasso confirming the car is ready. Perfect timing, as always.
I help Ava into her coat, using the motion as an excuse to pull her closer.