Page 46 of Tainted Obsession 1

Adrián Rodríguez is Duarte’s Colombian partner. He works with the Mexican drug lord to move their product from Colombia into his territory in America. My friendship with Duarte is important, but getting in with Rodríguez will secure my position here. Gian, Enzo, and I will have a powerful friend in our corner when we finally make our move against our despotic boss back home.

“Where are we going?” I ask, accepting the invitation before Duarte can take it back.

“Colombia,” he replies, keeping me fixed in his sharp stare.

He still isn’t pleased by the situation with Crawford, but he isn’t ready to give up on our alliance over it. He has much to gain from our business deal too.

“We leave tomorrow morning.” He glances at Evelyn. “You are welcome to make yourself at home here while we’re away.”

“Evelyn goes where I go,” I say immediately, too sharply. I take a quick breath and calm my most savage urges. “I made a vow to protect her. I don’t want her out of my sight.”

Duarte’s dark brows rise. “And you think she won’t be safe in my home?”

“Like I said, I always keep my promises,” I reply coolly.

This isn’t up for negotiation. Crawford is still in Mexico City. I won’t leave Evelyn here without me to guard her.

And I won’t be able to focus on my important business in Colombia if I don’t have her with me. I’d be consumed by thoughts of her. The depth of my obsession should alarm me, but with her slight body leaning into mine, I can’t bring myself to care. She looks to me to shield her, and I’m addicted to her trust in me.

“Do you want to come with us?” Carmen addresses Evelyn, allowing her the choice.

Part of me appreciates that she’s offering Evelyn agency, but my irritation at the prospect of being parted from her faroutweighs my flicker of respect. My delicate little butterfly isn’t leaving my side.

Before I insist that she’s going to accompany me, Evelyn says, “I want to stay with Massimo.”

Her soft declaration punches my heart like an arrow, and my feral desire for her surges.

Mine.She’s all mine, and she knows it. She chose me.

It might be out of fear, but that notion doesn’t bother me. She’s made it clear that being in Stefano’s home, the heart of his cartel, makes her anxious. She knows that I’ll keep her safe, and she doesn’t want to be parted from me.

That’s enough to satisfy me for now. Her devotion will grow with time.

“Excellent,” Carmen approves. “You’ll fly out on the jet tomorrow morning. Adrián is looking forward to meeting you, Massimo.”

“That sounds great,” I reply absently, my attention fixed on Evelyn.

Her gaze is still downcast, her eyes averted. And that lovely blush colors her cheeks.

Will her pert ass flush a matching shade beneath my hand? I crave to see it imprinted on her creamy flesh.

She responded to the pain of my bite. She’ll come to accept the more deviant things I need to do to her.

She’s innocent, and I crave to corrupt her. I’ll teach her to enjoy my darker sexual games. Evelyn will love being mine.

“You two should enjoy the party,” Carmen announces, a dismissal and a gift.

My hunger for Evelyn must be plain on my face, and the cartel queen is giving me permission to be alone with her.

“Thank you.” I manage a modicum of politeness before I steer Evelyn away from the powerful, dangerous couple.

She’s been quiet for most of the conversation, and she’s probably disconcerted by the interaction with Duarte. The man is intimidating, even though he plays the part of impeccable host.

“Dance with me,” I command, sweeping Evelyn into my arms.

She blinks up at me, slightly bewildered by the sudden turn of events.

“I don’t want to go to Colombia,” she says, even as she begins to sway to the beat, allowing me to lead her.