“Hi, honey,” I chirped, plastering a bright smile onto my face. My voice sounded too cheerful, almost fake, even to my own ears.
Max didn’t respond. He just stood there staring at me with that inscrutable look on his face, making the silence between us stretch on painfully.
Then, finally, he spoke, and when he did, his voice was weak.
“You’re in a bikini.”
“Yes. Thank you for the astute observation, Captain Obvious,” I said sarcastically.
He remained rooted to the spot, arms crossed over his broad chest, effectively blocking out the sun that had been warming my skin.
“I have men who come through the house, Rosalie,” he complained, clenching his jaw tight.
I raised an eyebrow, peering up at him over the rim of my sunglasses. What was his point? Did he think some random goon was going to risk their life to mess with the fiancée of Max Romano?Doubtful.Being his fiancée came with its perks, safety being the major one. I wouldn’t admit that out loud, of course.
“Rosalie,” he warned.
“Hmm?” I replied innocently. Feigning ignorance was usually my best defense, but I had a feeling it wouldn’t work this time. He wasn’t going to let me off the hook.
“You’re breaking my rule.”
His dark eyes narrowed, boring into mine with a strong glare that made me want to squirm.
“In my defense, you’re never home this early. Why have a pool if you’re not going to use it?”
“You know what this means, don’t you?” he asked.
I raised an eyebrow, curious as to where he was taking this. Max wasn’t the kind of man who’d actually make me suffer any consequences. He treated me fairly, with respect, but he also liked to play games with me. He knew exactly how to push my buttons.
“What does it mean?” I asked.
“It means I get to break one of yours.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. The idea was almost comical given how meticulous and controlled he usually was. I tilted my head, peering up at him through the tinted lenses, trying to gauge his intentions.
“And what rule of mine do you plan on breaking?” I asked, genuinely curious now.
He paused for a moment as if considering his response carefully. “I think I’ll decide that later.”
“Oh, so you’re playing it by ear, huh?” I raised an eyebrow. “That sounds like it’ll work out entirely in your favor.”
“Precisely,” he admitted. “I need all the help I can get when it comes to dealing with you. Your unpredictable nature keeps me on my toes.”
His gaze grazed my body. I looked down, realizing how skimpy the bikini really was.
Poor guy.
“Nice try, but you’re not breaking any rules,” I said, giving him a playful wink.
“Fair is fair,” he murmured, his voice low. “You get to play by your own rules—so should I.”
“Haven’t you ever heard of consequences?” I asked.
He took a deliberate step closer. “I’m well-acquainted with consequences, Rosalie. Are you?”
My lips twitched. “Move, would you? You’re blocking my sun.”
He didn’t move immediately, instead bending down so his face was level with mine. “If I were any other man in the Outfit, I would’ve had my way with you by now.”
