As we moved through the narrow service corridor behind the club, I kept my hand firmly pressed against the small of Sienna's back. She stumbled slightly, still weak from her collapse. Without thinking, I swept her into my arms.
"I can walk," she hissed.
"And I can carry you faster," I replied. "Time is something we don't have."
She was lighter than she should be—hadn't been keeping food down since the pregnancy confirmation. She fit against my chest perfectly, her head tucked beneath my chin. Even exhausted and pale, she was the most precious thing I'd ever held.
I tightened my grip, feeling her small gasp of surprise.
"Too tight?" I asked roughly.
"No," she whispered, and I felt the shift in her—the moment she stopped fighting and let herself lean into my strength. Trust, fragile and new.
Her body molded against mine, soft and warm and perfect. I could feel every breath she took, the rise and fall of her chest against mine. My hand tightened on her thigh—bare skin where her sleep shorts had ridden up—and I felt her sharp intake of breath.
Not fear. Something else.
Something that made my cock harden despite the danger surrounding us, despite Marco and Angelo flanking us, despite every reason this was the worst possible time to want her.
She shifted slightly in my arms, and the movement pressed her more firmly against my arousal. Her eyes widened, meeting mine.
"Don't," I warned quietly, my voice rough. "Don't look at me like that right now."
"Like what?" she whispered.
"Like you want me to forget we're being hunted and take you against the nearest wall."
Her breath hitched, pupils dilating. "I don't—"
"Yes, you do." I adjusted my grip, forcing myself to focus on getting her to safety rather than the heat building between us. "And later, when you're safe, I'm going to make you admit it."
Marco led the way, gun drawn, while Angelo took the rear. We reached the freight elevator, descended three levels below the club's basement, and finally entered the underground apartment.
"Welcome home," I said, setting Sienna on her feet.
She swayed slightly, eyes widening as she took in her surroundings. Despite being underground, the space was designed to feel open—high ceilings, recessed lighting that mimicked natural daylight, and screens displaying exterior views of the city.
"This is..." she began.
"Secure," I finished. "That's what matters."
Angelo checked the security grid. "Perimeter sensors showing green across all zones."
"Good. Marco, keep Francesco on perimeter duty only. No access to rotation schedules."
Marco's expression shifted—understanding. "The questions he's been asking?"
"Exactly. If he's the leak, I want to limit what he can compromise. Keep it subtle."
After my men departed, silence fell. Sienna stood with her arms wrapped around herself, looking like a caged animal assessing its prison.
"So this is it?" she finally asked. "My new cage?"
"This is your protection," I corrected, moving to pour her water. "Until the threat is neutralized."
"What about my sister? Isabella will worry if I disappear."
"Your sister will be told you're on a trip. It's safer for her not to know where you really are."
