Page 36 of Tainted Obsession 1

She tenses when I take her hand in mine, but she doesn’t try to pull away. Her fingers are chilled with fear, so I brush my thumb over her knuckles to warm them.

“I can’t let you go,” I say, a confession and a promise.

She’ll accept that she’s safest with me, once I prove to her how I’ll take care of her in every way imaginable.

“It’s not safe for you out there. Crawford is still working for the DEA. If you go to the authorities for help, he will find you. And now that you know the truth about him, he won’t let you live.”

“You don’t know that.” Her denial hitches despite her bravado.

“He didn’t lift a finger to protect you,” I remind her. “He would’ve let his cartel friends shoot you to keep his secret safe.”

She closes her eyes and turns her face away, as though hearing the truth in my words causes her physical pain.

“I don’t want to be here,” she whispers. “I don’t want any of this.”

I touch two fingers beneath her chin, directing her gaze to mine. “Look at me.”

The glimmer of tears that brightens her eyes cuts into my chest, but I keep my most volatile emotions off my face. Revealing the depth of my hatred for Crawford and the murderous rage I feel toward him for causing her this pain won’t soothe her. She needs me to be calm and composed, in control of the situation.

“The time for regret is over,” I tell her. “There’s no going back. You know the truth about Crawford, and you know you’re not safe with him. I will protect you with my life. Stay with me, Evelyn.”

She doesn’t have a choice, but it’ll be easier for her if she can pretend. And I won’t have to worry about her trying to escape if she chooses to stay in the gilded cage that I’ll build for her.

A single tear rolls down her cheek, spilling over despite her attempts to rein in her emotions.

“I’m scared, Massimo.”

Her admission hits me like a gut punch. It’s the first time she’s ever said my name, and it wavers with fear.

But not fear of me. Not anymore.

Moving slowly so I won’t spook her, I lower my face to hers. Her gorgeous eyes widen, and her lush lips part on a sharp intake of breath.

“Don’t be afraid,” I murmur a hairsbreadth from her mouth, allowing my low command to sink into her.

She sucks in a soft gasp and turns her face away, but she doesn’t shudder in revulsion. Her cheeks flush a delectable shade of pink.

I ease back, giving her space.

I can be patient. Evelyn will come to me. She’ll welcome me to ravage her. She will beg and whimper my name.

I breathe her in to center myself, focusing on the light floral notes of her scent that mingle with my own. I wonder if she tastes as sweet as she smells.

Soon,I tell myself, noting her perfect blush and the way her light green eyes flash as she takes a quick peek at me. She’s drawn to me, even if she’s conflicted.

Evelyn is all mine, and she isn’t going anywhere.

Chapter 15

Evelyn

My core pulses with arousal, an aching beat. I’ve only ever felt this once before: during my illicit dream about the dark stranger who came to my rescue. I’d awoken, tormented by guilt for betraying George in my subconscious.

My stomach sours, and I ease farther away from Massimo.

He could easily keep me close, but he allows me to put distance between us.

Even as I feel sick with an echo of my misguided guilt, my body burns for him. For a brief, breathtaking moment, his lush lips nearly brushed mine. A forbidden part of me craves his seduction, but that desire is wrong. Crazy.