“I can be a savage,” I say quietly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. “But only with those that deserve it.”
Her long lashes flicker between my eyes. For a while, she remains quiet, as if debating what to say.
“You didn’t have to do that to Levi,” she says, tucking her hair behind her ear again, as if I didn’t just do it.
“I had to.”
“Don’t worry. Father wouldn’t fire you if you didn’t.”
My eyes roam all over her face. Fuck, it seems impossible for me to stop looking at her.
“I said I didn’t do it because of the job, little orchid.” I lean in closer. “I meant it.”
Her lower lip starts trembling, just a little bit, as if she’s scared of me. I don’t mind. I said I will protect her, defend her, and even save her, if I have to.
From the first moment I saw her, I felt something igniting in me. I didn’t know what it was—hell, I still have no idea what the fuck is wrong with me. But I know one thing.
She is different.
She carries a burden that not many people can carry. The damage is hidden, buried where no eyes can reach. But I can see it.
People think she’s raised in velvet sheets and feathered pillows. That she has everything she asks for. Of course Fabio Calvano’s daughter would have everything. But as always, people are fucking wrong.
When I saw her eyes as her parents tore her down, I saw myself all over again.
Both seemingly spoiled, drenched in useless crap no kid actually needs, while their own parents couldn’t be bothered to give a damn.
Trying every day to prove we’re there and we’re worth their attention.
Isabella is still trying to grab their attention. I stopped way too soon.
“I don’t know if I should be afraid of you, or be grateful to you,” she says bashfully.
“You seem like a smart girl,” I chuckle. “You should be both.”
“Uhm … what?” she stutters, widening her feline eyes.
Her awkwardness is so deliciously sexy. I never liked such women, but something about her makes me look for an excuse to make her feel awkward again and again.
I take two steps forward, trapping her between the car and me, and savor it.
“Your daddy commanded me not to let anyone touch you,” I say, reaching for the ends of her hair.
“But you’re touching me now,” she mumbles with a shaky voice.
I hum. “Look at that. I didn’t notice.” I gently trace her jawline with my fingers. “But that could be our secret.”
No, fuck that.
I shouldn’t be doing this.
He made it crystal clear. One touch and she’s dead, and I know that wasn’t just some drama-queen bluff. That prick wasn’t lying. But hell, I could just put him in the ground and have her however the fuck I want. What’s the big damn deal? He’s a useless sack of shit anyway.
“My dad will kill you if he finds out,” she says quietly, almost like a secret.
Oh baby, if you only knew that it’s not me who’s in danger.
“I can always eliminate the threat,” I reply with a sarcastic smirk.
