Page 211 of Vicious Temptation

“So when someone comes for me, or worse, for the people I love…I’m going to stop them.” I force myself to hold his gaze. “Whatever it takes.”

His body goes still beneath me.

“I need you to know that about me.”

He’s quiet for a moment, then asks softly, “Self-defense?” It sounds less like a question for me than one he’s asking himself.

I know what he’s doing. Maybe we both do.

“Self-defense.”

He stares at me for another second before his hand resumes its slow path along my back. “Your mom is one hell of a shot.”

The abrupt change in subject catches me off guard, and I laugh.

“She sure is. She taught me everything I know. I grew up surrounded by some pretty badass women.”

“Explains a lot.”

“Yeah.” I stroke his cheek with my thumb. “It’s not too late to run, you know.”

Thiago shakes his head as his eyes close beneath my touch. “The fuck it’s not.”

I lean in and kiss him. Maybe I’m biased, but this man has the softest, most kissable lips I’ve ever known. “Thiago,” I whisper against his mouth. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

He opens his eyes. “Baby, there isn’t a single thing in this world that would make me leave you.”

I cup his face, brushing my nose against the scruff along his jaw. “I hate you.”

That gets a laugh out of him. “That’s definitely not what I expected you to say.”

“It’s true.” I shake my head. “I hate how easy this is with you. How easily I let you past every wall I’ve spent years building. I tell you things I don’t tell anyone, and half the time, I don’t even realize I’m doing it until it’s already out there.”

He’s serious now.

“And the worst part is that I don’t regret any of it. But…”

Thiago waits, his hand still against me. “Tell me.”

I look down at where my fingers grip his shirt. “I’m afraid.”

His eyebrows draw together. “What are you afraid of?”

There’s a vulnerability in his voice I haven’t heard before.

“I’m afraid I don’t know how to do this, Thiago. Whatever this is growing between us.” I lift my eyes to his. “I’m afraid I’ll fuck it up. That eventually you’ll see all of me, not the girl in the mugshot or the version of me that’s fun to chase around the city, and realize I don’t fit into your world.”

He starts to speak, but I shake my head.

“Tonight is a perfect example. I meant what I said. I’ll never be the girl who backs down. But you’re a cop.” I pause. “I can’t be the reason you throw away everything you’ve worked for.”

“Remi, you have to let me decide what I’m willing to risk.”

“I know, but⁠—”

“No.” His hand comes up to my face. “Look at me.”

I do.