My breath caught. "We shouldn't—"
"I know. But I needed you to know."
Our gazes collided.
And then, somehow, we were kissing.
His hands in my hair. My fingers gripping his shirt. The taste of wine and want and things we shouldn't be doing.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing hard, I knew.
I knew I was in too deep. Knew I was compromised beyond repair. Knew that investigating Quentin Vanetti while falling for him was the most dangerous thing I'd ever done.
"I should really go," I managed.
"I know."
But neither of us moved.
His phone buzzed. Shattered the moment.
He glanced at it. "Stone. It's..." He checked the message. "He needs me. Emergency."
Reality crashed back.
"Of course. Go. I'll..." I stood, grabbed my purse. "I'll see you in the morning."
"Julia—"
"It's fine. Work comes first."
He walked me to the door. We stood in the entryway.
"This isn't over," he said quietly.
"I know."
One more kiss. Softer. Sweeter. Sad.
"Drive safe."
I made it to my car before the shaking started.
What am I doing?
I'd just kissed Quentin Vanetti. The man my family thought killed my father. The man Carlo might order executed if I couldn't prove his innocence.
My phone buzzed. Text from Silvio:Status update. Monday morning. Be ready.
I stared at the message. Where was Silvio right now? Had he been following me tonight? I texted him back.Quentin knows you’re following me. I told him you were an ex-boyfriend. If his men see you again—you might be sorry.
Shit.
This time, I didn’t hold back:You nearly blew my cover. If it happens again, I’m telling Carlo.
I started my car, checking my rearview mirror for a tail, and drove to my apartment. At least now I knew that Quentin had eyes on me. That should stop Silvio from harassing me. This whole thing was a mess. Carlo wanted results. Silvio was pushing for a quick conclusion. And I was falling for the man at the center of it all.
Find the truth. Prove he's innocent. Before it's too late.
