Professional. Distant. Like the kiss had never happened.
I stared at the message for a long time. Considered responding with something confrontational. Something that would force him to acknowledge what had happened between us.
Instead I just texted back:Okay.
Stefan picked me up at nine. Took me to his office where we spent the day going through Inferno's financial systems. Revenue streams. Expense tracking. The careful accounting that separated legitimate business from under-the-table operations.
It should've been interesting. I had the background for this. The education. The internship experience that made sense of the complicated money laundering schemes Stefan explained.
But I was distracted. Kept checking my phone. Kept hoping Elio would text something beyond schedule changes and security updates.
He didn't.
"You okay?" Stefan asked around noon.
"Fine."
"You don't look fine. You look like someone who's thinking about something else entirely while I'm explaining shell company structures."
I set down my pen. "Sorry. I'm listening."
"No, you're not. Which is unusual because you're normally sharp about this stuff." Stefan leaned back in his chair. "Want to talk about it?"
"Not really."
"Does it involve Elio?"
I looked up. Stefan's expression was knowing. Sympathetic.
"How did you—"
"Because I've seen the way he looks at you when he thinks no one's watching. And I've seen the way you look at him when you think he's not paying attention." Stefan smiled slightly. "And because Elio's been avoiding the security office for twodays, which never happens. Something changed. I'm guessing something happened between you."
I was quiet for a moment. Then: "He kissed me. Then immediately called it a mistake and has been avoiding me ever since."
"Ah." Stefan nodded like this made perfect sense. "He's scared."
"Of what?"
"Of wanting something he thinks he shouldn't have. Of losing control. Of hurting you." Stefan's voice was gentle. "These men—Elio, Matteo, Sandro, Luca—they've all built their lives on control and keeping people at arm's length. When someone gets past those defenses, it terrifies them."
"So what do I do?"
"Don't give up. Elio's pushing you away because he's afraid, not because he doesn't want you. The fact that he kissed you means his control's already cracking. He just needs time to accept that it's okay to want something for himself instead of just maintaining order."
"What if he never accepts it?"
"Then you'll know you tried. But I don't think that'll happen." Stefan pulled up another spreadsheet.
"How long did it take for Matteo?"
"Not as long as you'd think. When these men finally break, they break hard." Stefan's smile widened. "Just be patient. And maybe stake out his office. Make him face you instead of hiding behind text messages."
It was good advice.
***
Day three, I'd had enough.
