I leave Elena's house late, the triplets' sticky goodnight kisses still warm on my cheek.
I’m tired, but Olivia continues to ruminate in my mind.
What is she up to? I can’t rest until I find out.
I drive directly to her place. I don’t care that it’s a holiday. That she might have family visiting. That she might not be home. Nothing else happens until I talk to her.
I park a block from her building, giving myself one final warning. This isn't about whatever happened between us. This is about protecting La Corona.
About finding out why she's suddenly interested in Rocco's kidnapping and Mrs. Ferraza's murder.
I will not let her see how she's affected me. I will not reveal that I've thought about her every day since that night. I will be Don Vitale. Calculating. Controlled. Untouchable.
As I approach her building, I steel myself against whatever pull she has on me.
Tonight, I'm not the man who lost himself in her body.
I'm La Corona.
And I need answers more than I need her touch.
OLIVIA
I open my door to find Dominic Vitale standing in the hallway. My heart does that stupid little flip it always does when I see him unexpectedly.
Thanksgiving alone with a turkey and cranberry sauce sandwich and case files suddenly feels even more pathetic.
"Agent Ricci." His voice lacks its usual playful edge.
I straighten my posture, gripping the door handle tighter. "Twice in one month? People will talk."
No smile cracks his serious expression. The absence of his usual charm is jarring.
"What have you found out about Rocco's kidnapping?" He steps forward without waiting for an invitation, forcing me to back up or collide with his chest.
I close the door, crossing my arms over my FBI Academy sweatshirt. “I don’t report to you.”
“You wouldn’t have anything if I hadn’t pushed you. You’re also looking into Mrs. Ferraza. You've been busy for someone who told me she doesn't handle kidnappings or murders.”
“Shouldn’t you be with family?” Why is he here?
“Shouldn’t you?” He glances around my place as if he’s only just realizing I could have company. But of course I don’t.
My only family, my father, is dead.
Quite possibly because of someone in Dom’s family. I don’t want to think too much about the betrayal to my father it is that I’ve had sex with a member of the Vitale family.
“Tell me, Olivia.” The way he says my name still affects me. I hate that.
"And I'm not discussing an ongoing investigation with you."
"It wasn't an investigation until two weeks ago." He moves closer, his scent hitting me and taking me back two weeks when he did the most delicious things to my body. "What changed, Olivia?"
I hesitate. My apartment feels too small. This conversation too dangerous to have with him.
“You did.”
“Then tell me?—”
