Page 80 of Risks of Temptation

"Emilia—"

She raises her voice. "I'm not going anywhere you aren't. You're the only person who will protect me. And I know where Naomi and Ezra's offices are. We can get in and out quicker."

I growl and rub my face.

Emilia slides over and puts her hand on my thigh. "Malin, is it safe for me to be anywhere you aren't?"

I hate that I can't tell her yes.

"If anyone tries to harm me in any way, will you kill them?" she asks.

"Without hesitation."

"Then it's settled. I'm coming with you."

Her reasoning makes sense. I still don't like it. But I don't know how to keep her safe if she isn't with me.

I put my arm around her and kiss her head. "I need to get you to Omoa. You can't be put in these situations."

She stiffens.

What did I say?

"Malin, I don't want to go to Omoa."

"As soon as we get the folders and I send them to Gustave, I'm taking you to Tinker's. What I have to do, you can't be a part of."

"Why?"

"You already know why."

"Are there no women who are with these Global Leaders?"

My stomach twists. "There are. Many of them are forced to be there. Not all, but many."

"Forced?"

My mouth goes dry. "I explained the future role of women if Gustave and I don't stop the Global Leaders. You understood that, correct?"

She shudders, and quietly says, "Yes...but..."

I veer to the side of the road and pull her onto my lap. "Listen to me, Emilia. The underworld is not anywhere I want you to be. The things I've had to stand by and not stop..." I swallow hard. "I hate myself for it. But if I stopped it, there would be no way for me to try to end this. It doesn't make it right."

Her eyes widen. She gasps. "Have you...with women..."

"No. I've never bought anyone or forced any woman to do anything."

"Bought?"

"They have auctions."

"For women?"

"Yes. It's the most elite of the events. It's debauchery in the highest form."

Her deep-blue eyes turn darker. Something I've not seen before swirls in them. I'm afraid it's disappointment in me.

My heart sinks. "When I claimed to be obsessed with you, the girl that crawled out of the pit, I meant it. She has innocence. It's a good thing. And I don't ever want you harmed by evil men or your innocence lost."