Page 98 of Sinister Intentions

I closed my eyes and tried to focus on the practical matters at hand. Ivan Zotov. What was his plan?

“You’re still not ready to hear what I have to say.”

That’s what he said when he shadowed Jemma and me on our walk.

What was it I wasn’t ready to hear?

I sure was ready to listen now.

I shot a quick text to Hawk, asking him to establish contact between Zotov and me and act as an intermediary.

If things with Jemma were different, I would’ve probably asked Donnelly. But with things as they were, Hawk would be the best choice to facilitate a meeting between Zotov and me. Because there was no guarantee I wouldn’t break Zotov’s neck the next time I saw him if I met him alone.

I chuckled. Even a couple of months ago, I would’ve never asked for outside help for anything. I faced my problems alone, and I solved them alone. I’d never trusted anyone. Not even my own people—apart from Michele and Marco—since technically, they all still swore loyalty to my father.

When did I begin to rely on other people? Gabe, my brothers, the guys from Raptor Security?

Was it a weakness to rely on others?

Or was it just a necessary step to grow into a true leader, a man worthy to be the head of the Salvini family?

I was lost in thought when a soft movement caught my eye. There she was, my little punk, standing in the doorway. The sight of her took my breath away.

She wore nothing but my white T-shirt, which hung loosely on her small frame, dwarfing her. She had a blanket around her shoulders, which made her look even more frail.

She walked closer, then stopped in front of the fire.

In the firelight, the fabric of my tee seemed almost translucent, hinting at the curves beneath.

A sudden memory flashed into my mind—Jemma, fierce and determined, pointing a gun at Gabe and me when we broke into the Donnelly house to get Sophie back.

Holy shit.

How could I forget? She’d looked ethereal then, too. Was that when I first felt drawn to her? I pushed the thought away. I didn’t know her then; why would I’ve felt drawn to her? “What are you doing out here?” I asked, my voice more gruff than necessary.

“I can’t sleep,” she said, barely above a whisper, and turned to me.

I sighed, then studied her face, noting the vulnerability in her eyes I could make out in the flickering light. “What can I do to make it better?” I expected her to tell me to drive her home. My stomach tightened at the thought of letting her go.

She held my gaze for a long moment, then moved towards me. Without a word, she climbed into the hammock next to me and nestled against my side. “Just stay next to me,” she murmured.

And stole my breath.

Just stay next to me.

I never thought I would hear those words out of her mouth. Never thought those simple words would have such an impact on me either. I wrapped my arm around her and pulled the blanket over us both.

She cuddled closer and rested her head on my chest.

The scent of her hair filled my senses, and I found myself relaxing despite the turmoil of my thoughts.

She fit perfectly in my arms—as if she was made for me.

I froze. The realization both thrilled and terrified me. How strange that life had brought us together like this.

Fate had a twisted sense of humor.

I glanced down at her and watched as her breathing began to even out.

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