“It doesn’t.”
I try to keep things light. “Is your silence about the investigation just protocol, or is it specifically because it's me asking?"
She tenses slightly against me. "Does it matter?"
"It does to me."
Olivia sits up, pulling the sheet around her chest in a gesture that seems more about regaining control than modesty. "I can't discuss an active investigation with a civilian."
"A civilian?" I laugh. "Is that what I am to you right now?"
"Professionally speaking, yes." Her eyes meet mine. "What happened between us doesn't change that."
I prop myself up on one elbow. "Rocco is my family. I have every right?—"
"No," she cuts me off firmly. "Elena and Luca have rights as Rocco's parents. You're?—"
"The head of the Vitale family," I finish for her, irritation rising. "The one who suggested you look into this in the first place."
"That doesn't entitle you to classified information." She runs a hand through her tousled hair. "There are legal boundaries that exist for good reasons."
I have a profound sense of déjà vu. After all, we went over all this before I carried her to bed. And yet, I press on. "Convenient how those only matter when they work in your favor."
Her eyes flash. "That's unfair and you know it."
"What I know is that you're investigating something that affects my family, and you're shutting me out."
"I'm doing my job." Her voice softens slightly. "If I find anything concrete about who was behind Rocco's kidnapping, Elena and Luca will be informed through proper channels."
I study her face, recognizing the stubborn set of her jaw. She won't budge on this, not tonight, anyway. Fine. I've never relied solely on one source of information.
"Alright," I concede, though my mind is already calculating alternative approaches.
I have contacts everywhere, people who owe me favors.
Money talks, and in the right ears, it pays dividends.
For a moment, I consider offering her payment, but I know that route would only offend her.
She believes in her system, flawed as it might be. And despite everything, I’m reluctant to disappoint her.
"You don't believe me," she says, reading my expression.
"I believe you're doing what you think is right. I just happen to have different methods."
"Dom—"
"Don't worry," I interrupt. "I won’t get in your way."
But we both know the truth. I'll find answers one way or another. That's what I do. That's who I am.
Olivia's eyes light up with defiance, ready for another argument. But something stops me from pushing further.
Maybe it's the way she looks so strong and sexy. Maybe it’s that I don’t want the night to end.
"Tell me about you," I say instead.
"What?" Confusion replaces the battle-ready expression on her face.
