Page 70 of Lord of the Dark

"What kind of enterprises are we talking about?" I tried tosound casual.

He shot me a wolfish grin. "Nice try, Fiona."

"Why can’t you just say it? You torture arms dealers—it’s not like I still think you’re a saint."

"It’s too layered. Not just one industry, not just one business. It’s a web. With many... fascinating threads."

"And that’s definitely the understatement of the year."

"It’s the simple version. And all you need to know. You should accept that I can’t spell out every detail for you." His tone was so sharp it stung.

"And that gives you the right to snap at me? Your disrespect still makes me sick." For a moment, I’d felt closer to him. But with one sentence, he’d shoved me away again.

"Then let me put it this way: the sooner you learn not to stick your nose into my affairs, the better for you."

"Coming from you, that’s rich. You called my boss when I cut contact with you—remember? You don’t ask my age because you already know it. You’re shocked I’m partnered at Carter’s firm, since of course you’d have that intel. And you drive me home without ever once asking for my address—" My voice rose, furious. "You have the audacity to tell me to stay out of your business? You’re fucking unhinged!"

His expression darkened. "You’re not getting it. You and I aren’t the same. The less you know, the safer you are."

"Stop treating me like I’m stupid. You’re a goddamn control freak. And you can’t stand rejection. Christ, I’d have paid to see your face when I walked out the morning after our first night." A vindictive smile curled my lips.

"Says the woman who picks men she can train like lapdogs."

"Lapdogs don’t get put down for aggression or disobedience," I countered coldly.

He shook his head with an amused smirk. "Yes, you’ve already got one who sits pretty when you tell him to." His gaze flicked tome. "And you’re bored. So bored that you’re sitting here next to me—the one who’ll never obey you."

He pulled up to my apartment and killed the engine before turning to me. "Well?"

"Well what?" I snapped.

"Can I come up?"

The courtesy in his question caught me off guard. Letting him into my space felt wrong—like surrendering my last stronghold, the final shred of privacy he hadn’t already invaded. And yet, I wanted him with me every second. Still, it didn’t feel right. I scrambled for an excuse. "Alessandro, I can’t. Carter could show up any minute."

He arched a brow, a crooked smile playing on his lips. "Perfect chance to convince him your warnings about me were... misplaced."

"Not funny."

"No, it’s not. Stop pushing me away."

"Me push you away? That’s your specialty." My voice turned razor-sharp. "You manipulate me. Use your goddamn... sex to keep me hooked, then shut down the second it’s about more."

His expression didn’t waver. No defense, no argument. Just that impenetrable wall that drove me mad.

"That’s exactly what I mean. You draw me in, then... nothing. You’re a fucking vampire, Alessandro. You drain me, every time."

He studied me with icy detachment. "Do you even hear yourself?"

"Yes." My hands clenched into fists. "And I don’t have the energy to fight about this with you right now."

He folded his arms deliberately, emphasizing his resolve. "I’m not leaving."

I glared at him. "You’re impossible."

Finally, I stepped out of the car and headed for the entrance.Every footstep felt heavier, like I was walking myself into a trap. I didn’t want him in my apartment. But the sound of his footsteps behind me confirmed what I already knew—he’d tear down this last boundary too, without hesitation.

Nineteen