Page 41 of Dangerous Vows

THE LESSER EVIL

It’s 3:00 a.m., and the city is still alive as I walk out of the club. Exhaustion is weighing on me. I head to the subway and pass the flickering neon signs that never get fixed. The streets are emptying, but it’s the city and never silent. Tonight, something else has me on edge.

I use my peripheral vision to observe my surroundings, and sure enough, Elio’s SUV is parked across the street.

I slow my steps, pretending not to see it, but I know better. He’s not here for a casual visit. My father must have sent him, which means I’m running out of time.

“Let me take you home,” he shouts, knowing I’m on to him.

Luckily, Pietro’s Hummer pulls up alongside me.

“I’ll take you home,” Pietro says in a smooth voice, but there’s an edge to it, like he knows something’s off. He’s leaning against the open window and hops out. He stands with one hand on the door handle, observing me.

“I can get home just fine,” I reply before thinking.

He doesn’t move. He tilts his head, and his gaze flicks to the parked SUV. “You sure about that?”

Why can’t I perfect my poker face? My jaw clenches, knowing thathe knows I’m in some trouble. He always fucking knows when something is amiss.

I exhale, glancing toward the street as I weigh my options. I could try to disappear into the night and pretend Elio isn’t watching, but that would only delay the inevitable. I might as well make my own choices while I still can. Besides, if I’m with Pietro, it makes it difficult for Elio to pick me up.

I shrug. “Fine. Take me home.”

I briefly gaze at my keeper, and I can’t miss the satisfied smirk that tugs at his lips as he puts his hand out to help me in .“I knew you’d come around.”

I roll my eyes, and he holds my hand as I climb into his behemoth vehicle. My butt slides into the luxurious leather seat. The engine’s hum rumbles beneath me as his driver pulls onto the street, navigating the city with practiced ease. The silence stretches between us, charged like an electric fence.

“Home, Joseph,” he says to the man in the driver’s seat. Then he turns to me. “You’re tense,” he comments, glancing at me as the driver switches lanes.

“Gee, I wonder why.”

He chuckles. “Could be because you work for a control freak.”

“That too.” I give him a look. “You do realize you don’t play fair, right?”

He grins, wearing his intent gaze, and meets my eyes. “Never said I did.”

I shake my head before turning to stare out the window. He cracks me up with his blunt honesty. But it works for him. Or perhaps it’s his award-winning smile and unforgettable handsome face.

The streets blur by, and I know we should be heading toward my apartment, but we aren’t. He’s going uptown.

I turn to him. “Where are we going?”

He doesn’t answer. Instead, he just taps his fingers on his leg.

“Pietro.”

“My place.”

I let out a breath. “Of course.”

“You’re not protesting.”

I glance at him, raising a brow. “Would it make a difference?”

His smirk deepens. “Not really.”

When he arrives at the hotel, he steps out of the vehicle, and the valet greets him.

---