Page 41 of Hearts Of Darkness

“That’s not an answer. I thought we were going to be honest with one another?”

“I didn’t agree to anything. I never explain myself… You know this.”

I grit my teeth in frustration. He takes everything from me and gives nothing in return. I will never be anything more than his pretty little fuck doll to use and abuse at will.

Why do I feel so disappointed?Do I want more?I stare at his horses, but I barely see them.

“You like the gray,” he states, following my gaze.

I nod, mutely. “He’s beautiful.”

“I acquired him three years ago.”

“Acquired?”

“Someone owed me.”

“I don’t like the sound of that.”

“I need to go away on business,” he announces, watching my reaction carefully.

He does?Is my heart aching with relief or consternation? Happiness or resentment?

“How long will you be gone for?”

“A few days at the most. I’m leaving a team of my best men here to keep you safe.”

“Take me with you.”

“Out of the question,” he says brusquely, thrusting his hands into his pockets and tensing that perfect jawline of his. “My destination is nowhere near Miami.”

And he’ll never let me leave, remember?

“I miss America so much, Dante. Take me home.”

There’s a pause. “The rules of the game have changed. What do you think will happen when you leave my protection? Thatmaid,” he adds with an edge to his voice. “The one that you have such a vested interest in has kindly announced your name and our…connectionto every cartel in the world. If I send you back to Miami, I guarantee that in less than twenty-four hours my enemies will have shot you dead in the street.”

This news ricochets around my body.

“You did this,” I cry, losing my temper. “You forced yourself into my life and infected it with your evil… Oh my God, my parents!” My hand flies to my mouth in horror. “They’re in danger because of me, because of whateverthisis. I have to warn them, Dante!”

“It’s too late for that.”

“What do you mean?” My knees start buckling. I clutch at the fence to stop myself from falling down.

“Your parents are safe.”

They are?For the briefest of moments, I dare myself to believe him.

“They’re more than safe.”

“How can you be so—”

“Imagine the irony ofmesending a security detail to protect a DEA agent,” he drawls, rubbing his hand across his jaw.

I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “Why, Dante?” I whisper. “Why would you that?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Perhaps I’m not such a fucking monster after all.”

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