Page 97 of Tainted Obsession 1

“It wasn’t your fault,” I say firmly. “George dragged me into this world when he decided to be on the cartel’s payroll. He chose to work forLos Zetas.You saved me from them. And from him.”

He shakes his head. “You said you wanted to go back home to Albuquerque. I refused to let you leave me. You were in the line of fire because of me.”

“No,” I insist, clutching him more tightly so that he can’t put distance between us. “If I’m not with you, George will get to me. He’ll kill me to keep his corruption secret. You keep me safe, Massimo.”

His lips twist with regret. “I won’t leave you unprotected in Mexico City. But if I send you back to the feds in America, he won’t be able to get to you. I was selfish and didn’t want to be parted from you, so I kept you.” His eyes are dark with pain. “Once you’re fully recovered, I’ll take you home.”

I square my shoulders, harnessing my defiance to quell the pain in my heart. It isn’t the sting of rejection; it’s a cutting sense of loss.

I can’t lose Massimo. I won’t allow him to send me away.

“You will take me home,” I say evenly. “To Italy. I want to stay with you.”

He shakes his head again, his features drawing harsh with determination.

“That’s not your choice. I vowed to protect you, and that means sending you back to Albuquerque. I always keep my promises.”

“Then promise me that you won’t send me away,” I demand. “Because I don’t want to go.” I tip my chin back and allow my stubborn gaze to clash with his. “Respect my choice, Massimo.”

His dark brows draw together. “I do respect you. But I won’t put you in danger. My life is dangerous. It always will be. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you because of me.”

His cheeks color with something like shame. “It already has happened. You were shot. I thought you were dying. I can’t lose you.”

“The only way you’ll lose me is if you send me away.”

I lean in and kiss his taut lips, reassuring him that I’m alive and safe in his arms.

“I’m right here,” I promise. “I’m okay.”

“You’re hurt,” he says gruffly.

“And you’re taking care of me,” I counter calmly.

“Farfallina…” His voice is rough with longing.

“No one has ever taken care of me,” I whisper. “I’ve never let anyone. But I trust you. Don’t make me go. Please.”

He kisses me like I’m made of glass, careful not to jar my injury. I long for him to sweep me up in a savage kiss and claim me ruthlessly, but I know I have to recover first. Soon enough, I’ll feel him inside me, joining us in the most intimate way possible.

Because Massimo isn’t capable of letting me go any more than I’m able to leave him. I’m not sure if I would survive separation—and not just because George still poses a threat to my life.

If I lose Massimo, my heart will shatter.

“You don’t know what you do to me,” he murmurs against my lips. “My sweet Evelyn.”

“Does this mean you’ll teach me Italian?” I ask breathlessly, desperate for his reply.

“Anything for you,dolcezza,” he vows. “I’ll make sure you feel at home in Naples. I’ll show you the kind of life I can provide for you. You will have everything you could ever desire.”

I think I already do.I keep the admission locked deep in my chest, afraid to declare the intensity of my feelings for him out loud.

I sigh and melt against him, conveying everything I can’t say in an achingly tender kiss.

Chapter 37

Massimo

The man jerks against the ropes that bind him tightly to the metal chair, the only piece of furniture in the dank basement beneath the Camorra bar.