“We’ve come to an understanding with one another.” Is what I tell him instead. And while it’s not a lie it doesn’t nearly encapsulate the truth.
He hums, contemplating. “An understanding.”
“Si.” His eyes narrow disbelievingly. He’s always been too sharp for his own good. It’s why he’s massively successful. A great eye. An exceptional ear. A killer instinct. Constantine was born to be in the position he is today.
“Understanding or not do you know where she stands?”
By my side. “Si, Constantine.”
He raises a cool brow. “Then you are prepared for every outcome?”
I know what he’s insinuating. Using her as bait in the crossfire to end this war. The idea repulses me, makes mephysically ill. Intentionally harming her, seeing her face etched in fear and sorrow, is not something I want to be responsible for. But in order for us to win it’s an inevitable consequence.
“I am prepared,” I say lowly. Constantine nods his head but Carina catches my change in pitch. Her intuition is strong. It will be difficult to skate around the truth with her. “Is that all?”
“Until I hear from Alvaro, si.”
I nod my head to both of them, paying my respect before I leave.
My heart races with anticipation as I close the door behind me. Rounding the corner I stop at the sight of her.
Art in physical form.
As radiant as the sun and just as blinding.
Utterly captivating.
Feeling my presence she turns on her heel. A hitch of breath. The softest of blue eyes. But in the depths of them holds a sadness anyone can see.
“You’re upset,” I conclude and her shoulders drop further. “What happened?” I demand as I cross the floor with determined steps. She doesn’t retreat. Only waits for me to reach her.
“It must be nice,” she begins with a forlorn smile. “You have people who care for you deeply.”
I should’ve known her seeing a family dynamic would only remind her of the loss of hers. A very careless mistake on my part. This is where my lack of emotional empathy blinds me. I promise to be better aware for her sake. Sadness does not belong in her eyes.
“You have people who care for you as well.”
Her voice is painful. Eyes now on the verge of tears. “Not enough to rescue me.”
A tear does manage to escape. Before she can duck her head and hide I tip her chin upward with my forefinger. I watch as thelonely tear falls. With my thumb I gently wipe the stain from her cheek. She leans into my touch, starving for affection. Even if it’s from a monster like myself.
Perhaps I can give her a small offering. A morsel to nibble on to satisfy us both.
I reach inside my suit jacket and retrieve my pocket knife. It flicks out with a snap of my wrist.
Tantalizingly, I maneuver the tip of the knife against her skin. The vein in her neck jumps as her face and chest becomes flush. I move the blade slowly, allowing it to kiss her skin in the way I long to.
Fuck.
I lean in, my lips against the shell of her ear. She trembles before me. “You’ll rescue yourself.” Swiftly I cut the tie that binds her wrists. The rope falls between us in a quiet whoosh.
And then she does something unexpected. Something that sends my heart galloping and my blood rushing south.
She places the flat of her hands against my chest, rises to the tips of her toes and places a soft kiss to the underside of my jaw.
It’s impossible yet undeniable how her kiss warms my entire being. And I don’t understand it. I don’t understand her.
But god do I ever want to.
