Page 12 of Milo

"A bit trigger happy, are we?" I take a step away from the man that's causing my core to ache. "I imagine that's an undesirable trait for a man such as yourself.”

He blows air out of his nose, stifling a smile. "Not the impulses I was talking about," he smirks, stalking toward me. "But you knew that."

I clear my throat, refusing to be rattled by this devilish man. "I don't want any cameras in the bathroom. That is non-negotiable."

"I find it endearing that you believe you can negotiate with me, gattina.” He lifts his hand up to my face and drags his thumb slowly along my jaw, outlining my face like he's painting a masterpiece. "Need I remind you who works for whom?"

"Kitten?" I scoff, fighting the urge to lean into his touch as I swat his hand away. Mind over matter. Always. "I am not a child and don't wish to be addressed like one, thank you very much."

He grins, scratching his chin. "I would argue that destroying thousands of euros worth of security equipment is very child-like, no?"

I glance at the brown leather watch strapped around his wrist and note the brand. Patek Philippe. Of course. "Well, I would argue that a man who can afford a one hundred-thousand-dollar watch can afford a little camera, no?"

His gaze briefly glances to the luxury Swiss watch, his lips twisting up in amusement. "What can I say? I have expensive taste. But that does not mean your actions go without punishment."

I blink. "Punishment? What are you going to do? Send me to time-out?"

A frown mars his eyebrows. "I am not sure what this time-out means but I doubt it is the punishment I had in mind.” His voice turns smoky, taunting, full of deviant insinuation. "This will be your only warning, Kiara. I would recommend that you refrain from destroying any more of my property in the future... unless you're curious, of course."

I bite my lip, pushing the minute itch of curiosity out of my mind. "You're giving me a warning? How very diplomatic of you."

"I do not give warnings often. You will soon learn how undiplomatic I can be."

For the first time since I've been catapulted into this world, I find myself scared by the words rolling off Milo's tongue. There's a promise in his tone, an undeniable truth that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Understood.” The reality of who this man is sets in. This isn't a good man. A kind man. A man who will forgive. This is a man who kills. Who slaughters. Who has no remorse.

"Kiara…” He cups my chin, tilting my head up. His expression softens. "I do not mean to frighten you."

I clench my teeth. "I'm not scared."

"But you are.” His faintly cruel eyes burrow into mine. "You need to understand that there are consequences to every action but as long as you listen to me, I will not hurt you, neither will anyone else."

"And if I don't listen to you?"

"Let us hope it does not come to that," he states with an edge before reaching into this pocket. He pulls out my grandmother's locket. "Your necklace."

I take a deep breath. He sure as hell knows how to segue topics. "Thank you," I mutter as he dangles it above my palm.

"Would you like me to put it on for you? It is very beautiful."

"No." I shake my head, a melancholy smile on my face. "I can't wear it, I'm allergic to silver."

"Oh," he hums with a slight frown. "How unfortunate."

"Yeah," I sigh, placing the locket on the vanity table. "It's just a keepsake now."

"I see," he says lightly, heading toward the door. "Allora, you should finish getting dressed, Kiara. Luisa will be here momentarily to escort you to my office. I will see you soon." He pauses, cocking his head to the side as I sit back down on the stool. "I have many questions for you."

I narrow my eyes. "Questions?"

"Yes, I am very curious as to why my private investigator could barely find any information on one Kiara Payne.” He lifts an inquisitive brow. "Who are you?"

I blink. "You did a background check on me?"

"Of course." He lets out a melodic chuckle. “I had to make sure I wasn't going to be working with a criminal."

I grin in spite of myself.

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