Page 74 of His to Ruin

“Why? What’s wrong with it?”

I shrug. “Just doesn’t sound like something you’d say.”

“Okay, should I be concerned about you hero-worshiping her?”

“Don’t worry. I’m not about to start hacking off men’s dicks because they look at me the wrong way. I just think she’s a good role model. There aren’t many strong women in our world.”

Piotr curves his hand around my cheek, the way I like. “Compared to you, Olivia, she’s nothing. Like your brother said in there, you’re a badass.”

“When I have to be.” I lean my head on the back of the seat as the driver, one of Antonio’s men, starts the engine and drives us away from the warehouse. I look up at Piotr. “Why did you kill that woman’s son?”

Piotr sighs. “He helped the people who tried to kidnap Emilia. Your brothers and I tortured him for information, and he offered me a deal. The photos of you for his life.”

“Why did he have them?”

“Gallo left them with him for safekeeping.”

“So you got the photos and killed him anyway?”

“Yes. Once I saw those photos and knew he’d seen them, I couldn’t let him live.”

“Why?”

“Because no man gets to see you like that, Olivia. I knew as soon as I saw the photos you were mine.”

I frown deeply. “I don’t understand. Those photos are horrible. Why would you want me after seeing them?”

Piotr shakes his head and shrugs at the same time. “I don’t know. I saw something in them. There was a mix of vulnerability and strength. I wanted it for myself.”

I nod, though I don’t really get it. I suppose it’s not important when he first realized he wanted me. The fact is we’re together now and we have something worth fighting for. “You realize there may still be copies of the photos out there?”

“There might be, but I will kill anyone who tries to use them against you.”

“That’s quite the declaration.”

“I mean it, Olivia.” He takes my hand. “Nobody will hurt you ever again.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Not even you?”

“I will put a bullet in my brain before I ever treat you as I did last night.”

“You were awful to me, but I should have told you why Dario was sniffing around from the start.” I sink my teeth into my bottom lip. “What will happen to him?”

“Your brothers will take care of him.”

“Good.” I snuggle up closer to Piotr, enjoying the comfort his warmth brings me. “I’m so glad you came for me.”

He gazes down at me. “Did you doubt I would?”

“No, but I wasn’t waiting around for it to happen. I planned to get myself out of there if I could.”

“Good girl, but just so you know, I will always come for you. I’d walk through the fires of hell to get to you.”

I sit up and cast a glower at him. “Why would I be in hell?”

Piotr laughs. “You wouldn’t be. You’re a fucking angel.”

“Damned right.” I slap his shoulder and then groan as pain fires through me.

---