Page 21 of His Ruthless Obsession

"The fuck you're not." I trace my thumb along her jawline, watching her eyes dilate. "You think I let just anyone run my club? That I drive random employees home?" My voice drops lower. "That I think about anyone else every goddamn minute of every day?"

She swallows hard. "Nerio-"

"I'll paint this city red before I let anyone hurt you." The promise burns in my chest like whiskey. "I'll string up every piece of shit who dares to threaten you. Make examples of them."

"You can't just-"

"I can and I will." I back her against the desk, caging her with my arms. "You mean more to me than this whole fucking operation. More than territory or profit margins or keeping the peace."

Her breath catches. "Why?"

"Because you're the only thing that matters." The confession tears from my throat like broken glass. "The only one who drives me fucking crazy and still makes me want more."

"I didn't ask for any of this." But her hands grip my shirt, contradicting her words.

"Too bad, little dove." I lean closer, breathing in her jasmine perfume. "You've got me now. Every ruthless, possessive inch. And I protect what's mine."

A shiver runs through her. "Even if it starts a war?"

"Especially then." I brush my lips against her ear. "Let them come. I'll enjoy ripping them apart and using their bodies as decor. Nobody threatens you. Nobody even looks at you wrong."

Her fingers tighten in my shirt. "You're insane."

"About you? Absolutely." I pull back just enough to meet her eyes. "Get used to it. You're under my protection now. No more running, no more professional distance bullshit." I tilt forward until my lips brush hers as I say, "I will keep you safe. I promise."

10

JAZZ

His fingers trace along my jaw, tilting my face up. The touch sends electricity through my body, making my breath catch. His gray eyes lock onto mine with an intensity that pins me in place as he watches my reaction.

But I'm struggling to process what he's said. I press my palms against his chest, feeling his heart beating steady and strong beneath the expensive fabric of his shirt. My own pulse races like a frightened rabbit.

I go ahead and say the first thing that's made me nervous. "The things you said about—about killing them..." The words catch in my throat.

"I meant every word." His voice drops lower, dangerous. "As soon as I find them, they are dead." His thumb brushes across my bottom lip.

I should be terrified. The casual way he talks about murder, about claiming me, should send me running for the door. But there's something intoxicating about his presence, about finally having someone powerful enough to face the shadows that have been stalking me.

"I'm not used to needing protection." My voice comes out shakier than I'd like. But I don't know how to trust people, especially like him. "I've always handled things on my own."

"And now you don't have to." His arm tightens around my waist, drawing me closer until I can feel the heat radiating from his body. "Let me take care of the threats. Let me handle the ones watching you."

"Just like that? You'll eliminate anyone who comes near me?"

"Without hesitation."

The certainty in his voice makes me shiver. I've lived with fear for so long, always looking over my shoulder, always waiting for the other shoe to drop. With Nerio, the danger isn't hiding in shadows—it's right here, wrapped around me, promising both protection and possession.

"This is crazy," I whisper, even as my fingers curl into his shirt. "You're dangerous."

"Yes." His lips brush against my temple. "But you don't hate that, do you?"

The strange thing is, I don't. Maybe I'm losing my mind, but in his arms, with his promises of violence and protection wrapping around me like a shield, I feel safer than I have in years.

He pulls back to look me in the eyes, his lips curling. "Though a little fear isn't a bad thing."

I lift my chin. "I already told you fear isn't my style."

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