Page 158 of Desperate Actions

Her voice is soft, almost hesitant, and then she drops her gaze.

I hate that.

I need those pale green eyes on me, need to see every thought that flickers through her mind. I tilt her chin up, forcing her gaze back to mine.

I want her here, with me. Not out in the city without my protection.

But I don’t own her. Not like that.

I mean, I know it’s wrong. I was raised better, really, I was.

But fuck me, if that isn’t the real problem.

“Are the girls coming over?” I ask, keeping my voice even.

“Andrea might stop by. Actually, we might go out,” she says, and instantly, a deep frown etches itself into my face.

No.

I don’t want her going out.

Not without me.

Not when I can’t stake out the place first, make sure it’s safe, make sure she’s safe.

But I can’t order her to stay home.

I won’t be that kind of man. I won’t be like the chauvinistic monsters I used to fight against.

But the thought of her out anywhere in this world without me makes something dark slither inside me, coil itself around my ribs like barbed wire.

“If you don’t want me to go—” she starts, watching me carefully.

I exhale, dragging a hand through my hair.

“I don’t want you going anywhere without me. That’s just the truth. But I know that makes me sound like an asshole,” I admit, voice low.

Aella smiles—warm and knowing—like she sees something in me that isn’t terrifying. Like she understands this possessive, obsessive thing inside me and isn’t afraid of it.

Like she likes it.

And that?

That makes my damn heart stutter in my chest.

This woman was absolutely made for me.

“If you want me to stay home, I will, Sammy,” she whispers.

Goddamn, she’s dangerous.

One soft sentence and she’s unraveling me from the inside out.

I grip the doorframe, my jaw locking.

“No, it’s okay. You go out with my sister and stay safe. Just know Santos will drive and I’ll have a team following you to ensure your safety. Text me when you know where you’re going.”

She doesn’t even hesitate.

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