Lorenzo De Matteis hates The Nameless and everything we’re trying to build. Our founder, Alessandro De Matteis, is his brother. What started as a simple family feud has grown to be an all out war in the mafia world. If he’s sent out men to investigate Amy and I, it’s not good news. The man is viciously stubborn. Once he catches the scent of something, he chases it down until it’s his prey.
I clench my jaw. “How many, where, and how bad is it?”
“It’s Steffoff with one other man, probably an underling. Saw them about a block down when I went to get the headphones,” Liam informs me with furrowed brows.
Steffoff.Christ. The most annoying of Lorenzo’s men, a talkative Swedish man with next to no morals. I’d rather talk to a crabby crackhead than to that greasy mercenary.
But, if they’re a block down from the Apple store, then they’re keeping their distance. That wasn’t even in the line of sight of us. So they were instructed to remain in the vicinity, but not within sight.Interesting.Lorenzo probably knows I’d identify the annoying man right away and it’d cause trouble.
“All right,” I speak in a low tone. “Keep an eye out. I don’t want Steffoff any closer than that to Amy, do you understand?” Both of the men nod. “Good. Keep me informed, but not in front of Amy. I don’t want her knowing about any of this.”
Jack glances at Liam, before looking back at me. “Boss…how are you doing? I mean, she was more being rather…up front with you at the statue. I’ve never seen you letanyonecome that close to telling you that you’re wrong. Except for maybe Marjorie.”
I tilt my head at Jack. When it happened, I could tell he was shocked. But for him to bring this up, he must’ve been floored. “I’m fine. I don’t think she meant any offense, but was just trying to share her preferences.”
Jack arches a brow. “She basically accused you of treating her like a child and overstepping.”
I think for a moment before responding. “Maybe I did and deserves her correction. If I was indeed in the wrong, then she handled it quite gently and respectfully, don’t you think?”
I know I’m walking on dangerous ground. The more I talk about this, the more they might catch on to my true feelings about Amy. If they do, then it’s entirely possible that my enemies will, too. In some aspects, it’s inevitable, as I’m not going to treat her like everyone else. Usually, if someone so much as looks at me the wrong way, they’re going to learn a painful lesson. But not with Amy.Neverwith Amy.
That’s what makes Amy so dangerous. But I can’t help but be drawn to that risk, drawn toher.
Jack and Liam share a look, and I know it’s too late. They can’t believe what they’re hearing, because it’s obvious that I’ve caught some feelings.Damn it all.
I clench my jaw and turn away from them, stalking down the bookstore’s aisles to find where my little fairy has run off to. I find her in the fantasy section, with half a dozen books in her arms. She goes through them, mumbling to herself about which one she should get. She seems to be trying to narrow them down.
I arch my brow as I approach. “Hi, leannán. Having fun?”
She glances over at me, studying my face for a moment as if she’s trying to read my mood. Now that I’m putting myself in her shoes more, that action makes a lot of sense. She’s used to walking on eggshells around others, like her grandfather. And I’m a man she knows is violent, a man with a murderous reputation. Someone her grandparents have warned her about. I wouldn’t be surprised if they used my name to keep her from misbehaving, like a monster under her bed.
“Hi,” she says softly. “Yeah, just trying to pick one to get.”
I furrow my eyebrows a bit. “You’re just going to get one? Why not all?”
She flashes me a look of annoyance before she can tamper down her reaction. “It’s just not in the cards for me right now.”
I arch my brow as my confusion only builds. “Not in the cards for you…? What do you mean?”
“Oh, sorry. Do you not have that expression in Ireland? It means that it’s just not possible right now, that it’s not going to work out at the present,” she explains, looking back down at the books and setting two side by side on an empty shelf, as if to compare them to decide between them, tilting her head. It’sadorable,even as I’m baffled by her reasoning.
I chuckle. “No, I understand the expression just fine. I just don’t understand why it’s not in the cards. Get whatever you want, leannán.”
She thinks she’s turned away enough for me not to see her purse her lips, but she’s wrong. I still can. “Well, I wish I could.” She chuckles politely, making me arch my brow. “I just…I’ve only got the budget for one, that’s all,” she finally admits with a shrug.
Confusion ripples through me, and then understanding kicks me in the gut. She’s thinking she has to buy this herself, with her own money. I do as she suggested and put myself in her shoes. Is that why she was so anxious about going to all of the luxury shops? Because she assumed she’d have to pay and knows she couldn’t afford it?
Oh, my sweet little leannán.She doesn’t know that I intend to take care of her in every way. And why would she? She’s obviously not used to it, and I never even told her I would. In fact…I only made mention of buying things for her to keep her from complaining.
God feckin’ damn it. I’m a fool.
“I owe you an apology, leannán.” I take a deep breath, noticing her confused expression with a chuckle. “I once made a comment to you that I believe has caused some confusion.”
She tilts her head at me with furrowed brows, listening as she stacks the books into sections, organizing them to narrow them down.
Except she won’t be narrowing any down, not if I have a say in it. No, she’s going to get themall.
“I told you that I don’t think you’re the type to complain, didn’t I?” I wait for her to nod before I continue. “And I meant that, leannán. I made a poor joke to you when we first met about giving you money to ensure you didn’t complain. But it wasn’t the truth then, and itespeciallyisn’t the truth now.” I step closerto her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “I take care of what’s mine, leannán. And you’remine.” A masculine pride fills me with the way her eyes widen and her cheeks grow pink. “That includes every need, every wish and whim. You want books? I’ll get you as many as you desire. You want diamonds? I’ll bathe you in them. You want diamond-encrusted books? I’ll get someone right on that.” I chuckle, and it even makes her crack a smile. “The point is, leannán, I want you to want fornothing.So, after all that I just said, let me ask you this: do you really think I’m going to let you pay for your own books?”
