Page 28 of His Little Angel

“Who?”

“My assistant.”

“You’re telling me you pretended to resist the curse when she was practically under your nose every day?”

“I didn’t resist,” I say bitterly. “I pretended I was immune. That I could have her without having her.”

“And now? What changed?”

“She left. And when she left, the curse hit me like a fucking truck.”

Lucian whistles low. “Is she receptive at least?”

I sneer. “She’s got a little boyfriend.”

“A boyfriend?” He laughs. “You didn’t kill him yet?”

“I’m getting there,” I growl.

“I’m surprised you didn’t kill him on sight.”

“I wanted to. Still do.”

Lucian takes a slow sip of whiskey. “So… you accepted it, then.”

“No.” I shake my head. “I haven’t accepted anything.”

“Enzo,” he warns.

“How the hell do you accept something like this?”

“What are you afraid of?” Lucian asks.

“I’m not afraid.” The words are a snarl.

“Then why the fuck are you here?”

I slam my glass on the table so hard it cracks.

Lucian raises his voice. “WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?”

“LOSING HER.”

I drag a hand through my hair, finally confronting my fears.

“What if something happens to her?” I whisper. “What if she sees who I am and can’t stomach it? What if she leaves like—like our mother fucking left?”

“So what? You’d rather live without her and lose your mind slowly than risk the pain? She should be the safest and happiest she ever is when she’s with you.”

“She deserves better.”

“She deserves you,” he snaps. “The man who would burn the world down for her. That curse isn’t punishment, Enzo. You think she’ll be safer without you? Some other man could touch her, claim her—”

“Don’t fucking say that.”

“It’s the truth,” Lucian says coldly. “Either you have her—or another man will.”

The thought alone makes me feel like I’ll go insane.