The accusation stung more than it should have. “If I wanted to hurt you, I’ve had plenty of chances.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It’s the only one you’re getting.” I pushed the folder toward her side of the desk. “Sign the papers, Alisa.”
“No.”
“Sign the papers, and I’ll keep you safe.”
“Safe? With the Bratva? That’s like jumping into the Amazon River for protection from the alligators!”
I slammed my palms on the desk, leaning forward. “Those men who took you? They thought using you would send a message. They’re not going to stop just because you don’t want to be involved.”
She stepped up to the desk, matching my posture, her hands flat against the wood. “So what, marrying you magically solves everything?”
“Yes! It tells them you’re off-limits. That if they touch you, they’re declaring war. I come from a powerful family, Alisa. So powerful that men out there will wet their pants before they touch you.”
“And what if I don’t want to be a part of your little gang war?”
“You already are because of who your father is! Your father has had it out for half the people in that room tonight, and now that they know who you are, they’ll take their rage out on you.”
We were inches apart now, both leaning over the desk, breathing hard. Her eyes blazed with anger, so close to mine that my pulse quickened.
I could smell her perfume. Could see the rapid pulse at the base of her throat. Could almost taste the memory of her lips.
Those parted lips. So very close to mine… One move, and I’d be kissing her instead of bargaining with her life. If I leaned forward just a little more…
What the fuck was I doing?
I jerked back, breaking the spell.
“You don’t have a choice,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended. “Not if you want to live.”
She straightened slowly, her eyes never leaving mine. “There’s always a choice.”
“Not this time,” I said. “Those men might not be so gentle next time.”
She swallowed hard. “So what, I’m just supposed to trust you blindly?”
“I’m not asking for you to trust me. I’m offering protection.”
“And what will it cost me in return?”
I looked at her directly, stunned that she’d even have thought such a thing. Maybe she’d forgotten who I was. “There’s no cost, Alisa.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Nothing else? So this is just… a business arrangement?”
“Exactly.”
I said it was business. Even as every muscle in my body screamed it wasn’t.
“Bullshit.” She took a step closer. “What do you really want, Dante?”
What did I want? I wanted to go back four years. I wanted to have made a different choice. I wanted to be honest with her from the start.
“Mostly,” I lied. “I just want you safe, and you need me to help you right now.”
“Yeah,” she scoffed. “Sacrificing for a person in need? Refreshing, for a criminal.”
