Page 23 of His Ruthless Claim

My fingers press harder against the desk, but my voice remains steady. "You think they work together?"

"Looked like it. But I've seen Mantiones and Buetis in her shop, too. Not sure if she's neutral ground or a front for him."

The muscle in my jaw flexes. I don't like the Cappallettis anywhere near her. I don't like any made men near her.

"Look into it. Figure out if she's got secret meetings on the side where she could be passing off information." The words come out sharper than intended.

Bas pauses, hand hovering over his tablet. "Boss... is there a particular reason we're interested in a clothing store owner?"

I let the silence stretch until he shifts uncomfortably. "Are you questioning my orders?"

"No, boss." He quickly pulls up the files, but I catch the knowing look he tries to hide. In truth, I shouldn't care when it's not our territory, not our girl. She's no one to us.

But I know that's not true to me.

I turn back to the surveillance photos, ignoring how my eyes keep finding her storefront in each frame. This is about territory. Security. Nothing more.

The silver watch feels like it's burning against my skin.

Bas's questioning gaze lingers, catching the involuntary movement of my fingers against the silver band. The room temperature seems to drop as I level my stare at him.

"You seem distracted today." I keep my voice flat, devoid of inflection. "Perhaps you need a reminder about the importance of focus."

He straightens, shoulders tensing. Smart man. "No reminder needed, boss."

"Then I suggest you concentrate on the security upgrades rather than analyzing my interests." The words cut through the air with surgical precision. "Unless you'd prefer a more permanent position change."

Bas swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing beneath his collar. He knows what happened to the last person who overstepped. "The cameras will be installed by morning. I'll coordinate with Rodriguez about the increased patrols."

I dismiss him with a slight nod, turning back to the surveillance photos. His footsteps retreat quickly, the door clicking shut behind him. The silence settles like a shroud.

My fingers trace the edge of the photo showing Skye's boutique, following the clean lines of her storefront. The movement catches my attention - another unwanted tell. I forcemy hand flat against the desk, but the watch seems to pulse against my wrist, a reminder of weakness I can't afford.

Control. Everything is about control.

Yet here I am, increasing security because a woman with amber eyes and sharp wit has somehow burrowed under my skin. The thought makes my jaw clench.

The photo crumples slightly beneath my fingertips before I catch myself. This momentary lapse in composure - however slight - is unacceptable. I smooth the image with methodical precision, erasing evidence of the slip.

But Bas noticed. The knowledge sits like lead in my stomach. He's too observant, too quick to connect dots that should remain separate. His questioning glance spoke volumes about the conclusions he's already drawing.

My mother's watch feels heavier than usual, its steady tick marking each second I waste on these distracting thoughts.

12

SKYE

"Ididn't even know you could get banned from a coffee shop." Kendra raises her brows.

The low lighting of Kendra's dining room casts a warm glow across the faces of my closest friends as we share plates of spicy Thai takeout. Jazz lounges in her chair, her curls piled high in a messy bun that somehow looks effortless. I take a sip of wine, savoring the rich cabernet.

Mikayla giggles. "Apparently, if your girlfriend is sleeping with one of the guys that works there and you come in to fight him, you can."

We all laugh as Mikayla shakes her head. My stomach starts to twist, but I know I need to do this. I need to say something before it gets too far.

"Speaking of interesting customers," I say, pushing my empty plate aside. "That guy I mentioned? He's been coming to the boutique more frequently."

Jazz's wine glass freezes halfway to her red-stained lips. Her shoulders tense, the relaxed posture vanishing in an instant.

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