I stop the music, and suddenly, it’s just the two of us and a storm of emotions raining down on us. He’s obviously pissed. I’m a little dumbfounded, but more than anything, I’m horrified to see him covered in blood.
Fear wraps a bony hand around my throat and squeezes until tears spring from my eyes.
Photos from the scene of Craig’s murder flash through my mind one after another.
“What happened?” I’m barely able to force out the words.
He catches a glimpse of his reflection in the window. “Shit, I should have cleaned up first.” He goes to the kitchen and wets some paper towels. “It’s not as bad as it looks. It just bled a lot.”
“Bleeding is bad,” I say, the words sounding distant to my own ears. They’re drowned out by a voice screaming in my head that someone tried to kill him. DiAngelo was being attacked while I was up here dancing like a silly little girl.
It’s going to happen again.
This man is going to end up dead because of me.
Something in my voice must register with him because seconds later, he’s in front of me, coaxing my gaze up to his.
“Look at me, Ree. I’m fine. I promise. Just a little fight, okay?” His attempt at reassurance bounces off me like rain on a tin roof.
I shake my head, dazed. “No, it’s not okay.”
None of this is okay. My growing feelings for him. His willingness to die for me.
It’s going to happen again. He’ll die because of me.
“I don’t know what the fuck is going on in that head of yours, but I need you to stop, right goddamn now.”
Eyes wide, my gaze flits back to his.
“I was wrong,” he says in a ravaged voice tinged with the scent of liquor. “I’ve known it since the minute I said being together was a mistake. I was wrong.” His hands lift to cup eitherside of my neck while tears pool in my eyes. “The only reason I look like this is because I was so goddamn mad that someone wants to hurt you. Today has made me realize I need to get my head out of my ass.”
I’m stunned. Trying to process what’s happening. “What are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’re mine, and I’ll bleed this city dry until you’re safe.” Then his lips are on mine.
CHAPTER 38
DIANGELO
Present
Terina’s bodymelts into mine. As a result, the cacophony of worries constantly vying for attention in my head seems to harmonize in a way that cancels them all out, gifting me with a peaceful sense of rightness.
This is where I need to be.
This is life’s purpose.
Her body pressed against mine. My tongue tangled with hers. Our breaths giving and taking in shared communion. Everything about the way I feel right now confirms my suspicions.
I belong with Terina.
When I saw her in Ciro’s arms, I knew I couldn’t fight this need any longer. Refusing to admit how much I want her will compromise my ability to keep her safe more than being with her ever will because in that scenario, I’m waging a war on two fronts.
I can’t fight myself and the enemy.
Now that I have her in my arms, I can see clearly that fear was holding me back.
I’ve been terrified of failing her. But if I hurt her emotionally in the process of protecting her physically, I’ve still failed. I want her to feel safe relying on me in every way, and I swear to God, I’ll make it happen. One way or another.
