My job was to protect her, not seduce her.
To keep her safe, not put her in more danger.
And that's exactly what I've done. If she's pregnant…
Fuck. I've spent my entire life being responsible, controlled, obedient to orders without question.
One night with Valentina, and I've risked her safety, her very life.
If Maksim discovers what we've done, he'll kill her.
If she's carrying my child, there will be nowhere on earth we can hide.
I was supposed to protect her.
Instead, I might be the reason she ends up dead.
She rises and steps around me. “I’m going to shower.”
It’s probably a good idea. I’m sure the room reeks of sex. No doubt, we do too.
“I’ll call Alessandro.” When she disappears into the bathroom, I reach for the phone again, but don’t call right away.
Instead, I let the memories of last night wash over me.
Her soft skin. Her breathless moans.
The way she held me, called out my name.
The best fucking night of my life, hands down.
I've had women before, usually, quick fucks in dark corners of nightclubs.
I’ve had a few prolonged affairs that lasted months.
But none of them were Valentina.
None of them made me feel like I was drowning and flying all at the same time.
I think about how she looked last night, curled up in that chair.
The fierce Dante princess, determined to stay awake, to protect me while I rested.
I'd stood there for a full five minutes, just watching her breathe, memorizing every bit of her.
All I could think was that she was mine.
Except she isn't mine. And she never will be.
I give my head a shake, knowing I need to let last night go and focus on today.
Focus on getting her home. Back to Maksim.
The man who’ll put his hands on what is mine.
The protective rage that floods through me is unlike anything I've ever felt.
It’s darker.