Page 22 of Mafia Wars

The weight of his stare is crushing. He’s not going to hand it over without an explanation, and for a split second, I consider lying again. But there’s no point. Not with him.

“I want to ring Richard,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “See if I can sort all this out.”

The laugh that escapes Cian’s lips is cold, humorless. It sends a shiver down my spine. “Sort it out?” he repeats, his tone mocking. “You think it’s that simple?”

“I have to try.” My cheeks blaze at his laugh.

“No, you don’t. Come on, let's get you home.” Cian pockets the phone like that’s the end of the conversation.

I shake my head. “I need to do this, Cian,” I demand.

“Why? I can sort this out, and I told you not to leave the house.”

“Because I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you,” I say instead. “Even if you hate me for leaving the house, I needed to try.”

His expression softens, just a fraction. “I don’t hate you, Luna.”

“You should,” I whisper, the weight of my past crashing over me. “I’m dragging you into something you didn’t ask for.”

He steps closer, his voice steady. “You didn’t drag me into anything. I’m the one who chose to walk across the road and end his life.”

My breath catches. His words hang between us, heavy with unspoken truths. And for the first time, I let myself wonder if maybe, this isn’t all my fault.

I glance at Cian, his eyes sharp and unreadable as he watches me. “I could at least try to call Richard,” I say, my voice hesitant. “What if he listens to me?”

Cian takes one step closer, closing the already minimal space between us. His presence feels heavier now, more commanding. “Do you really believe that?”

I open my mouth to respond, but the words catch in my throat. Do I believe it? No, not really. But what other options do I have? I swallow hard, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t, but…I haven’t given up yet.”

His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t argue. “I promise this will all be over soon,” he says, his tone gentler than I expected. “But right now, we need to get back to the house.”

I want to argue—my mind runs over half a dozen rebuttals, excuses, or ways to stall—but I know better. Cian isn’t the type to bend to reasoning, especially when he thinks he’s right. “Fine,” I say, exhaling through my nose. “I’ll follow behind you. I’ve got Sara’s car.”

Cian shakes his head firmly, his voice leaving no room for negotiation. “No. You’re coming with me. One of my men will bring the car back.”

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from arguing. It’s not worth it. The sooner we’re out of here, the better. I’m about to step past him when his hand catches my arm, his grip firm but not harsh. The unexpected touch stops me in my tracks.

I look up, and for a moment, I’m caught in the depths of his gaze. There’s something there, something intense, but not threatening. His fingers loosen slightly, his thumb brushing my arm. “The day in the bathroom,” he says softly, his voice dropping low. “When you walked in on me... I saw something in you. Something so soft and vulnerable.”

I freeze, my pulse jumping at his words. He lifts his hand, his rough fingers grazing my cheek, and the gentleness in the gesture catches me off guard. “I knew then that I wanted you, Luna,” he murmurs, his tone raw and unapologetic. “And I’ll do anything to protect you.”

His words cut through me, breaking past the walls I’ve spent years building. My throat tightens, and I force myself to breathe. “No one’s ever tried to protect me before,” I admit, my voice barely audible. “Not even my parents.”

He nods like he already knows—like he’s carried pieces of my story without me having to tell him. There’s no pity in his expression, just understanding, and something else I can’t quite place. When he leans forward and presses a soft kiss to my forehead, I feel something crack inside me, something I didn’t even realize was still whole.

“Then let me protect you,” he whispers, his voice a plea, but there’s an edge of command in it too. A promise.

I rise up on the tips of my toes, closing the small gap between us, but even then, Cian has to bend down slightly to meet me.My lips brush his, tentative at first, until I feel the warmth of him grounding me.

“Okay,” I whisper against his mouth. My hands grip the fabric of his shirt, holding on like it’s the only thing keeping me upright. “Please protect me.”

CHAPTER ELEVENv

LUNA

THE CAR RIDE back is silent, except for the hum of the engine and the soft rain tapping against the windshield. I watch Cian out of the corner of my eye, the sharp line of his jaw tight, hishands gripping the steering wheel like it owes him something. His silence feels heavy, loaded with words he won't say yet.

I don't push. I don't dare.

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