Page 86 of Enforcer's Obsession

But if I’d proven nothing else, I’d proven that Iwasn’tsane, so I didn’t move an inch.

“Leverage.” He said the word with an air of glee that I knew was designed to take the wind out of my sails.

“Bullshit,” I responded.

He quirked a brow, his question clear.

“You know that there is one, maybe two people this whole world who would give a fuck if the earth opened up and swallowed me whole. There’s no one for you to leverage me against.”

He shrugged, trying to give off an air of nonchalance.

“Well, I was trying to be polite. You’re a hostage, then. Or, a toy for me to play with until I get bored,” he said.

“Double bullshit,” I countered.

He stomped over to me, his size dwarfing me, as he glared down into my face.

“What the fuck are you asking me, Hope?”

“I thought it was very clear, but I guess I can explain it. I’m not your hostage, so what am I?”

He stared at me for a long moment, his eyes flashing.

“Get it through you head, Hope. I saved you because I felt sorry for you. Other than that, you’re nothing to me but pussy.”

His eyes were locked on mine, sincere, and I flushed with my stupidity, suddenly felt foolish.

I broke eye contact, and could feel myself drooping, seeking a place to hide.

His fingers brushed my cheek, and I slapped his hand away roughly.

“Do. Not. Touch. Me,” I said.

He was still standing there, a huge, hulking presence.

He went to touch me again, and I pushed his hand away, or at least tried to.

“Don’t you get it?” he finally said, his voice rough. When I heard his tone, I dared meet his eyes again.

“What don’t I get, Nico?” I asked, my voice filled with venom.

“That’s all you can ever be. Because if I let you be more… If I let myself love you, I’ll lose you like everyone else,” he said.

His voice was all the more heartbreaking because of how earnest he was.

I stared at him, really stared, understanding overtaking me.

He dropped his hand, and I reached up to grip his face and locked eyes with him.

“I’m not going anywhere, Nico.

I whispered the words softly, not needing the volume to convey my conviction.

I stretched up, pressed my lips to the corner of his mouth.

Then had arms filled with nothing but air because Nico stormed out.

TWENTY-SIX

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