Page 39 of Tainted Obsession 1

The prospect of being surrounded by criminals makes a shadow of my fear flutter at the back of my mind. I do my best to ignore it; I can’t afford the distraction of further emotional turmoil. Not if I’m going to navigate this dangerous situation.

He takes my hand in his, calloused fingers brushing over my knuckles to soothe my mounting tension.

“No one will touch you,” he swears. “Duarte won’t allow it. He knows I saved you fromLos Zetaswhen they kidnapped you, and he approves.”

“But Duarte wants you to…kill George.” I stumble over the word. My throat closes in horror at the prospect of his murder, no matter his corruption. “You said you’re doing it as a favor.”

He nods, unruffled and unrepentant.

“George is dirty. He dug his own grave when he sold his loyalty to theZetas.You are innocent. Duarte appreciates the difference. He won’t allow you to be harmed.”

I press my lips together, considering my next words carefully. “I don’t want to meet Duarte. He’s a drug lord. That scares me, Massimo.”

It isn’t a lie, and I allow him to read the stark truth in my eyes. I’m not accustomed to showing my more vulnerable emotions so openly, but if honesty will give me an advantage, I’ll use it.

He tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear.

“You don’t need to be afraid.You’re with me.” Before I formulate another protest, he continues on. “This isn’t optional. I have to attend Duarte’s party to secure our alliance. My friends are counting on me, and I won’t let them down.”

“Your friends?” I remember the two handsome Italian men who’d argued with him last night—the brothers. “Why can’t they be the ones to go to the party?”

“They’re on their way back to Naples. It’s up to me to conclude our business here in Mexico.”

My blood turns cold.

“And whatbusinessis that?” I demand, daring him to admit his criminal activities.

It’ll be a good reminder for me too. The man holding me so tenderly is involved in organized crime, and I can’t allow myself to forget it.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he replies, posture relaxed and completely unbothered.

Whatever he’s doing here in Mexico, Massimo doesn’t feel a shred of guilt over his lawless lifestyle.

I gape at him. “You want to take me to a drug lord’s party, and you think I shouldn’t worry about what you’re up to?”

He nods. “There’s no need for you to concern yourself with my business.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, and the shockingly intimate gesture makes my mind blank for amoment. “You don’t need to worry about anything. I’ll take care of you, Evelyn.”

Deep in my bones, I believe him. But that doesn’t mean I’m okay with the situation.

“I don’t want to go,” I say, once again hoping the bald truth will sway him.

His lips ghost over my cheek, his stubble lightly scraping my skin as he whispers in my ear, “I’m not letting you out of my sight, but I have to attend this party. That means you’re coming with me.” His teeth graze my throat, a sensual threat. “I promise I will reward you after.”

My belly flutters, equal parts unease and arousal. His energy is undeniably carnal, but the strange heat crackling through my veins isn’t purely wariness.

“I don’t want a reward.” My protest is embarrassingly breathy when I should sound outright indignant.

His low hum vibrates over my neck, sinking into my heated flesh. “You will. You’ll be desperate for it by the time I’m finished with you.”

Then his silver eyes fill my world, and we’re exchanging heated breaths. He waits for a few agonizing seconds, drawing out my desire for him until every inch of my skin tingles with desperation for his touch.

My head tips back slightly, an unthinking invitation as I surrender to the powerful connection we share.

If I pause to reason through my actions, I’d probably conclude that I shouldn’t kiss this dangerous man.

But he’s not a danger to me.

And in the aftermath of George’s terrible betrayal, I’m craving comfort. Losing myself in Massimo is the sweetest relief after my trauma and heartbreak.