Page 128 of Blackwood

I know you’re an architecture major not because your mom wants you to build safe-houses for her weapons, but because your dad taught you to love the structure. The weight of something built to last.”

My voice softens. “You’re trying to follow his footsteps as an architect… not the other family business.”

He’s watching me closely now.

“I also know your mother isn’t just some housewife like she wants the world to see. Or just some low level gun runner. She’s the head of the New York Bratva.Not your dad. Not your uncle.Her.And if she ever figured any of this out, she’d probably have me killed in my sleep.”

Lex’s smile drops. His voice is low, certain, final. “I would never let my mother touch you, baby.”

And goddammit… I smile.

“So you see,” I say, my voice lower now, tired but sharp, “we’re not the same.”

Lex watches me, unreadable.

“You want to build things,” I continue. “Leave something behind. You’ve got a father with blueprints in his blood and obsession in his veins. Me? I don’t even know who mine is,” I shrug.

“You’re trying not to turn into your criminal uncle or your Bratva-queen of a mother. And I… I already am a criminal. Just one with a purpose.”

He tilts his head, amusement dripping off his voice. “Oh yeah, baby. Total menace. Real Bonnie-and-Clyde energy. Except you’d probably shoot Clyde for slowing you down.”

I roll my eyes but he doesn’t let up.

“And for the record?” He steps closer. “Yourpurposeis the only thing that matters. You think I give a shit that you brokethe law to save kids? That’s not criminal, that’s justice, not to mention hot as hell.”

“Well, hot or not,” I mutter, motioning between us. “This can’t happen.”

“Why the fuck not?”

“Because Cade,” my voice trembles, raw and brittle. “He’s never going to see me the same way again. Not after today. Not after everything I told him. You saw his face. You heard him.” The words scrape up my throat, sharp and unforgiving.

“And I…” I swallow hard. “I think I lost him.”

The tears hit before I can stop them. I cover my face, but it’s useless, my body’s already shaking. The sob tears out, ugly and broken. “And now I’m going to have to lose you too.”

Lex doesn’t hesitate. He wraps his arms around me like he’s anchoring me to the earth. “Baby,” he breathes, tilting my chin up. “You’re not fucking losing either of us. You hear me?”

I shake my head, throat tight. “He doesn’t love me. Not really. He’ll never trust me, not after this.”

“Yes, he fucking does,” Lex says fiercely. “He told me. He just needs a minute to get his shit together.”

I blink up at him, stunned. “He told you he loved me?”

“Right before I stormed out of The Pit to come get your stubborn ass back.”

A small, broken laugh slips from my lips, more disbelief than humor. And then he kisses me, slow and fierce. Like he’s trying to kiss the grief right out of me. I lean into it, into him, but when he finally pulls back the ache returns like a wave crashing back in.

“Baby, come home with me.”

I look at him, everything in me screaming yes. “I can’t, Lex. Not until I know Cade won’t look at me like he did tonight. Like I’m a monster hellbent on revenge. Like I’m something he needs to fix instead of someone he wants to love.”

I swallow hard and whisper, “Can you just take me home?”

His expression softens instantly. “Sure.” He brushes a strand of hair out of my face. “But listen to me. I’m not giving up on this. I’m not giving up on us. So, you fucking promise me you won’t either.”

I nod, tears slipping down my cheeks. “I promise.”

“Let’s get you home, baby.”