How did I know I loved her? Good question. One I'd asked myself repeatedly over the past few weeks.
It wasn't just the sex, though that was phenomenal. Wasn't just her looks, though she was gorgeous. Wasn't just the fact that she was forbidden, though that definitely added to the appeal.
It was the way she looked at me like I was more than just the heir or the enforcer. The way she called me out when I was being an ass. The way she made me want to be better than what my father had made me. The way she'd walked into my office and locked the door because she couldn't stay away, even though every logical part of her brain was screaming to run.
It was everything. She was everything.
And yes, I was probably a bit broken that she hadn't immediately reciprocated. But I could wait. Would wait. Because pushing her would only drive her away, and I'd rather have her without the words than lose her completely.
Though if I was being honest, the whole thing was kind of funny in a dark, twisted way. Here I was, a grown man who'd killed more people than he could count, getting his feelings hurt because a girl didn't immediately declare her love after one night together.
My mother would have found that hilarious. Would have told me I was being dramatic and that real love took time.
God, I missed her.
The morning after our close call, I was in my office reviewing security protocols when Marco walked in.
"Morning." He dropped into the chair across from my desk like he owned it. "Sleep well?"
"Well enough." I kept my eyes on the papers in front of me. "You?"
"Better than you, apparently. Considering I didn't have to smuggle anyone out of myroom at dawn."
I looked up. He was grinning.
"That was too close, Kai. Way too close. If I hadn't seen Luca heading your direction and warned you, he would have walked in on something that would have gotten you both killed."
"I know."
"Do you? Because it seems like you're getting sloppy. Taking unnecessary risks. Thinking with your dick instead of your brain."
"Watch it."
"I'm serious." Marco leaned forward, expression going serious. "Luca is suspicious as hell. He's watching you constantly. Watching her. Looking for proof of exactly what's happening between you two. And the second he gets that proof, he's going straight to your father. You understand what that means?"
"Of course I understand. I'm not an idiot."
"Then stop acting like one. I get it. She's under your skin. You're in love with her." He held up a hand when I started to protest. "Don't bother denying it. It's obvious to anyone paying attention. But love doesn't mean shit if you're both dead. So be smarter about this."
He was right. I hated that he was right, but he was.
"I'm handling it."
"Are you though? Because from where I'm sitting, you're one bad decision away from disaster."
"I said I'm handling it."
Marco studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. But when this blows up in your face, don't say I didn't warn you."
He left, closing the door behind him.
I sat there, turning his words over in my mind. We were being sloppy. Taking stupid risks. And Luca was watching.
Time to get creative.
I picked up my phone, called Luca directly.
"We have a situation at the warehouse on Fifth Street. Possible theft, maybe worse. I need you to check it out personally. Take Tony and Sal, report back what you find."
