Page 46 of To Have and To Hold

“Tension is still high.”

“You know, when I conceded to the idea that I was coming out west, I imagined seeing more of San Diego and southern California than Mia’s house and these apartments.”

Em pressed his lips together and stretched his arms in the air. The snake on his right arm caught my attention.

“Why a snake?”

He grinned. “Have we now moved on to more personal information?”

“Maybe.”

“You get one question, and I get one question. We both must answer honestly. Deal?”

“Why am I suddenly worried about what you’ll ask?”

His dark eyebrows arched.

“Deal. Why a snake?”

“What I do—we do—can be dark and dangerous. A snake is a symbol of rebirth because of the way it sheds its skin. Each day is a new one with more possibilities than we can ever fathom.”

“I thought a snake was evil, like the serpent who offered Eve the apple.”

“I told you; I’m the bad guy.” He leaned his firm ass against the edge of the desk and crossed his arms over his wide chest. “My turn.”

I lifted my hands to my face. “I’m scared.”

Em prized my fingers away until my hands were engulfed by his. His nose was millimeters from mine. His dark brown eyes shone as his stare intensified. It was as if he could see beyond my gaze. His deep tenor reverberated through me from my ears to my toes and everywhere in between.

“You’re not scared, Isabella. I watched you transform right here in this office two weeks ago. The girl back at the capo’s wouldn’t have made it through that day. You did. And you’ve been back every day since. We live in an evil world and yet, since you’ve arrived, you’ve blossomed. You’re fucking fascinating to watch.”

I swallowed. That was a lot to process. I inhaled and pulled my hands from his. I immediately missed their warmth. “Go ahead. Ask.”

“I’d like to take you out after work tonight. Show you around San Diego.”

“A date?”

Chapter

Eighteen

Emiliano

My lips quirked. “Would you like it to be a date?” The thought of having this stunning, strong woman on my arm brought life back to my tired body.

Isabella nibbled on her plump lower lip. “Is it safe?”

I nodded. “You’re safe with me, Isabella.”

“My parents wouldn’t approve.”

“Then we’ll call it a tour. You just said you wanted to see more places. I’m simply at your service.”

“Horace will come?”

“I think you’ve exceeded your one question.

She stood, pushing back the chair. “I can’t go unsupervised. My father was furious when you and Rei snuck Jasmine out.”

---