Page 37 of Ruined

"No?" He raises an eyebrow. "What would you have done if Ivan's men had gotten to you first?"

The question hits like a slap. I look away, unwilling to admit I have no answer.

"That's what I thought." Matteo sits on the armchair across from me. "So, you play the violin."

"Brilliant observation."

"Are you always this pleasant, or am I special?"

"I reserve my charm for people who aren't complicit in my abduction."

Matteo leans forward, elbows on his knees. "You know, most people would be thanking Noah right now, not treating him like he's the villain."

"Most people haven't been detained in a stranger's apartment against their will."

"Most people haven't had Russian mobsters trying to drag them off to God knows where." His tone sharpens. "Do you even understand what Ivan would have done to you?"

I resettle the case in my arms like a new mother. "Noah keeps saying the same thing, but neither of you will tell me why Ivan wants me in the first place."

"That's for Noah to explain." Matteo studies me. "How long have you been playing?"

The abrupt change of subject throws me. "Since I was four."

"You must be good then."

"I'm adequate."

Matteo snorts. "Right. That's why you perform at Feretti christenings and Carlyle charity events. Because you're adequate."

"What do you want from me, Matteo?"

"Just making conversation." His eyes gleam with mischief. "Unless you'd prefer we sit in silence until Noah returns?"

"Silence sounds wonderful."

"Too bad." He grins wider. "You know what I think?" Matteo leans closer. "I think you like him."

"Excuse me?"

"Noah. I think you like him more than you're willing to admit."

"I don't like Noah one bit," I protest, heat rising to my cheeks. "That's ridiculous. He kidnapped me."

"Sure, sure." Matteo's smirk grows wider. "And I'm the Pope."

"You don't know anything about me."

"I know enough." He taps his fingers against the armrest. "I've known Noah for years, and I've never seen him act this way about anyone."

"Act what way?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

"Like he cares." Matteo's eyes lock with mine. "Noah doesn't care about people. It's not in his nature."

I scoff, desperate to hide how his words affect me. "Well, he doesn't care about me either. I'm just a... a possession to him. Something he took from Ivan."

"If that's what helps you sleep at night."

"How long have you worked with Noah?" I change the subject before it gets more awkward.

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