Page 71 of Falling for the Enemy

A choking sound—hers—fills the otherwise silent room. Soft, feminine laughter follows. Unlike most others, my men included, she isn't the least bit intimidated by me. The realization binds my soul tighter to hers, my demons bowing to the fearless queen before them.

"About that—"

"Si, about that." I shake my head. "It'll have to wait until you're better, but Manzana, I swear on my life you'll be made to pay for what happened on my yacht."

She runs her free hand through my hair, the tips of her nails lightly scratching my scalp. Relaxation floods through me, her touch more intoxicating than any drug.

"I'm looking forward to it, Krasavchik.”

I don't speak a word in reply. I can't. Not when she continues to look at me the way she is, as if at this very moment, she sees something in me she's never seen in another.

A future.

NINETEEN

Ari

Casper fears I’m losing my mind.

The disbelief and concern that contorted his features when we readied to depart the clinic and I invited Alejandro home with me was unmistakable. I understand his feelings, especially since I've never invited another to stay at the mansion overnight, not even Capone.

The kingpin, however, is different.

After what he did for me, at the warehouse and on the roof of The Carriage Inn, having him close gives me a sense of security that no one else has ever provided to such an extent.

My soldiers included.

The vexing mudak may have started as my enemy, one I was intent on destroying no matter the costs, but that's quickly evolved. Though I don't know exactly what he is to me yet, the emotions he evokes—ones that encompass more than just rage—can't be argued.

At his side, I feel protected.

And in his arms, I feel alive.

"Manzana."

I open my eyes at the sound of his voice, finding him standing at the foot of my bed, sans shirt, barefoot, and wearing only a gray pair of sweats that hang dangerously low on his lean hips.

It appears the duffle bag he kept beneath the seat of his vehicle came in handy for our unexpected sleepover.

Briefly, I wonder what all it contains.

"Hermosa..."

Tone lined with agitation, he stares at the place where I lie, my position having changed little since he carried me up the stairs an hour ago and placed me on the mattress after helping me change clothes.

A girl could get used to such service.

"Da?"

Jaw locked, he jabs his index finger at the blast-proof, floor-to-ceiling windows that lead to my balcony, the setting sun's rays spilling through the glass.

"I want those fuckers covered."

So demanding.

"Everyone wants something." I sit up slowly, the pain I felt earlier no longer an issue thanks to the meds I was given. "That doesn't mean they receive it, however."

"Is that right?"

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