"I'll speak with Maksim," Alessandro says finally. "Remind him of the terms."
"I'll keep a closer eye on her." God help me, that's exactly what got us here.
With my conversation with Alessandro and Adriano finished, I make my way upstairs.
I stand outside Valentina's door, poised to knock, but my hand is frozen in midair.
What the hell am I doing here?
I should walk away.
I should request reassignment.
But I can't leave her thinking she's the one who did something wrong.
I hurt her after giving her a taste of pleasure.
What kind of man does that?
A disloyal one.
A weak one.
One who's falling for a woman he has no right to want.
But the damage is already done.
I can't take back what happened in that car.
I can't unfeel what I felt when she came in my arms.
And I can't let her believe she's not wanted.
Because God help me, I want her.
More than I've ever wanted anything.
I steel my resolve and knock firmly on the door before I can talk myself out of it.
A moment passes. Then another.
"Who is it?" Her voice is small, uncertain. Nothing like the bold woman who climbed into my lap.
"Cristian."
Another pause, longer this time.
I wonder if she'll send me away, and part of me hopes she will.
It would be easier.
Safer.
"Come in," she finally calls, and with that simple invitation, I know I'm lost.
I push the door open slowly.
The sight of her sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but a white silk robe makes me second-guess my decision immediately.
