The next hour was pure business. I walked them through the evidence. Explained the timeline. Answered questions about my father's operations and his relationship with Agent Watson.
Elio was completely professional. Addressed me formally. Maintained perfect distance. Gave nothing away.
But I caught him watching me when he thought no one was looking. Saw the heat in his eyes when I made a particularly good point. Noticed how his posture shifted when Luca made a comment that could've been interpreted as flirtatious.
Possessive. Protective. Completely controlled on the surface but simmering underneath.
It made me want to push. To test how far I could go before that control cracked in front of others.
I behaved. Barely.
The meeting ended around noon. Sandro and Luca left to start making arrangements for the information leak. Elio closed the door behind them.
The moment the lock clicked, he crossed to me.
Pulled me up from my chair and kissed me hard.
I gasped into his mouth. Kissed back with enthusiasm. Let him crowd me against the desk and show me everything he'd been holding back for the past hour.
When he pulled back, I was breathing hard.
"You're a menace," he said. His voice was rough. "Pressing your knee against mine during a strategy meeting. Testing my control in front of Sandro and Luca."
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I was completely professional."
"You were deliberately provocative." His hands gripped my hips. "And if we didn't have afternoon meetings scheduled, I'd show you exactly what happens when you test me like that."
"Promises, promises."
He kissed me again. Softer this time. "Tonight. My apartment. If you want."
"I want."
"Good. Now get out of here before I forget we have work to do."
I left his office with my heart racing and anticipation building.
***
Stefan cornered me in the hallway twenty minutes later.
"So," he said casually. "You and Elio."
I tried to look innocent. "What about us?"
"Please. You look..." Stefan studied me. "Lighter. Less tense. Like someone who finally got something they wanted." Hesmiled. "Something changed. Something good. I'm guessing something happened between you."
I felt heat rise to my face. "Is it that obvious?"
"To someone who knows what to look for? Yes. To everyone else? Probably not yet. But Julian?" Stefan's voice softened. "I'm happy for you. You deserve this."
"Thank you. For understanding."
"Of course. We former princes have to stick together." He squeezed my shoulder. "But be careful. These men—Elio especially—they feel things intensely even when they pretend they don't. When they finally let someone in, it's all-consuming. Make sure you're ready for that."
"I am ready."
"Are you? Because Elio's not going to do anything halfway. Once he's committed, he'll be completely committed. Possessive. Protective. Sometimes overwhelming in his intensity. That's a lot to handle."
