“I’m handling things, Lindsay.”
“Did you also handle the text?”
He goes still. Just for a second, that particular stillness that means he already knows exactly what I’m talking about.
“Which text?”
“The one I received at the hospital. While my father was in surgery.” I hold his gaze. “To drop the case.”
He doesn’t look at me when he answers, but I see the coldness in his expression.
“It came from a burner registered to one of Morozov’s men. The same crew that took you to the cabin.” His jaw tightens slightly. “It’s been handled.”
“Handled how?”
“The way I handle things.”
I decide not to push it. I exhale slowly and let it go.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you don’t need to know,” he says, calm to the point of irritation. “Plus, I thought you’d do something reckless to endanger yourself, and I’ve had enough of that.”
My fists clench, “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“Don’t swear, princess,” he chides.
Oh, I am going to snap his neck like a twig.
“I tell you you’re in danger because the bastards that tried to take out my family are coming after you as well and you have nothing to say?”
A muscle ticks in his jaw. “I’m handling it.”
“At least tell me what you’re planning. I know you’re handling it, but how? What risks are you planning on taking?”
His mouth tilts slightly as his eyes narrow.
“I was saving your delicate sensibilities by not involving you in my plans.”
“Don’t be a dick.”
He’s so infuriating. I can’t believe I was mooning to Valentina about how much I care and love—scratch that,likehim.
The slip-up, even in my head, has my throat tightening. Matteo sighs, his expression growing soft.
“It’ll be alright, Lindsay.”
“I need you to take this seriously.”
“I am.”
“You’re not acting like it.”
“I promise, I am. I would never let anything happen to me.”
“Good because if you do get hurt, I will personally ensure you regret ever putting yourself in harm’s way.”
I huff out a breath at the look he gives me. He has the ability to stare at me like I’m the only thing that matters in the world. It always robs me of my breath.
