Page 42 of His Ruthless Obsession

"Security?" Mikayla's eyes go wide. "Jazz, what's going on? First you move suddenly, now you have a bodyguard?"

"It's complicated."

"Complicated like the fact that you've been missing brunches?" Skye arches an eyebrow.

I swallow hard. "I've been busy."

"Never been too busy for brunch. What's going on?" Mikayla reaches across the table, concern etched on her face. "We're worried about you. You've seemed off lately, distant."

"I'm fine, really." The words taste like lies. "Just dealing with some work stuff. The security is temporary."

"Work stuff that requires armed protection?" Skye's voice drops lower. "This has something to do with him, doesn't it? Your boss?"

I take a long sip of water, buying time. How do I explain that yes, it's about Nerio, but also about rival crime families and death threats? That I'm both terrified and thrilled by the danger he represents?

"Can we just...enjoy brunch?" I plead. "I promise I'm being careful."

They let me get through ordering at least. But that's it.

Kendra sets down her fork with a clatter. "Careful isn't good enough. You need to tell us what's really happening."

"It's nothing-"

"Don't." Kendra's voice cuts sharp. "Your hands are shaking."

I glance down. She's right. My fingers tremble against the white tablecloth. "Things are just... intense right now."

"With Nerio?" Skye leans closer. "Everyone knows he's dangerous, Jazz. The rumors about what he does-"

"They're not rumors." The words slip out before I can stop them. My stomach drops as three pairs of eyes lock onto me. "I mean..."

"What exactly do you mean?" Kendra's jaw tightens.

"He's... connected. To certain organizations." I pick at my eggs benedict, appetite gone. "And there might be some people who aren't happy with him right now."

"Organizations?" Mikayla's brow furrows. "Like..."

"Like the kind that makes problems disappear." I drain my mimosa. "And sometimes those problems fight back."

"Jesus Christ." Skye pushes her plate away. "You're sleeping with a mob boss?"

"He's not a boss, he's a capo." Another slip. Shit.

"That's not better!" Kendra throws her hands up. "Have you lost your mind?"

"He protects me." I hate how defensive I sound, especially when I feel so uncertain already. "The security, the new apartment - it's all to keep me safe."

"Safe from the danger he put you in!" Skye hisses.

Mikayla touches my arm. "But he must care about you, right? To go through all this trouble?"

"Girl, don't encourage this." Kendra shoots her a look.

"I'm just saying - if he's making sure she's protected, maybe he really does have feelings for her." Mikayla shrugs. "Love can change people."

"Or get people killed." Skye's voice drops low. "Jazz, please tell me you have an exit strategy."

I stare into my empty glass. The truth is, I don't want an exit strategy. Despite everything - or maybe because of it - I'm drawn to Nerio like a moth to flame. The danger, the intensity, the way he makes me feel both safe and terrified... I'm addicted.

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