Page 24 of His to Have
“I know.” His arms tightened around me. “And I hate it too. I promise I’ll make it right.”
Something about his words softened me, even if it wasn’t an apology. He held me until our breathing was in sync, then pulled back just enough to look at me. “Now.” His tone shifted and his gaze was intense. “I got some important shit we need to discuss.”
I nodded, feeling the gravity of whatever he wanted to talk about. He sat on the nearby couch, pulling me down with him. Should I have fought him over how he held me in his lap? Perhaps, but the truth was, the position felt surprisingly comforting, though I’d never thought we’d end up here like this.
After making sure I was settled, the palm of his hand rested on my abdomen. It was both protective and possessive as he beganto explain what had happened with Roland and his connection with my father’s enemy Orlando. I still didn’t quite understand who Orlando was or how he fit into all of this, or why anyone would want to hurt me. But the sharp angles in Teo’s face, and tight jaw, told me everything I needed to know.
“And you’re sure it’s... my Roland?” I asked, racking my brain, trying to remember the last time I saw Roland. It had been years. And, even then, our time together had been brief.
“He’s not your anything,Amore.” Teo’s eyes flashed with something dark, and I knew I probably could have phrased that a little better, but I shrugged it off.
“You know what I meant. What does kidnapping me accomplish? I don’t even have anything to do with the family business.”
Teo’s gaze was unflinching. “Your name alone holds weight. You’re Samuel Reed’s daughter, Bash’s sister, and my fiancé. That makes you incredibly important to three of the most dangerous men on the East Coast.” His free hand traced lightly along my hand that rested over his arm. “You may not realize it, but you hold so much power. Orlando knows taking you doesn’t just hurt one family. It declares war on all of us.”
I exhaled slowly, trying to process this information. This was a lot. Which was part of the reason I stayed far... far away from their world, which has inconveniently become my world.
“You know for a fact that it’s those two behind the kidnapping.”
“Roland — yes. Orlando? Still to be determined."
“And what does that mean?”
“That Roland hasn’t given me much more than what I pieced together yesterday. He’s just a pawn, following directions blindly. His information only confirms that he’s related to Orlando through marriage.”
Leaning my head back against his chest, I angled it so I could see his face clearly, his expression revealing nothing. While it was reassuring that he maintained complete control over his emotions, it was a tad unsettling at the same time. He’d kill without hesitation if it meant protecting me.
“Well, if he’s related to the enemy, then it’s gotta be them, right? Financing it?”
“Possibly. I haven’t ruled it out. Trust me, I’ve already got someone looking for the Moccasins.”He said their last name with so much disdain.“If it’s Orlando, he’ll be handled. But if it’s not... I can’t take any chances with you. I won’t leave you unprotected.”
I took a breath, the harsh reality hitting me hard. “And you’re sure me being in New York is the answer?”
“It’s the safest option,” he said without hesitation. “I can handle finding who is behind this, but I need to know you’re safe. And I can’t keep you safe in another state. If you want a place here, I’ll buy us a home in Atlanta, and we can come and go, but you staying here alone...nah, that’s not happening.”
I paused, swallowing hard. There wasn’t any fighting his logic. As much as I hated admitting it, he was probably right. “So, how long do I have to get everything in order?”
He smiled, and approval filled his eyes. “We’ll leave next week.”
I felt the resistance melting as he pulled me in closer. His fingers traced the column of my neck, before settling just at the base. His touch was comforting against my skin. His gaze soft as he spoke.
“I’m not looking for a trophy wife, Ayanna. I want a partner. I’m not trying to restrict you, I’m trying to protect you. Once I take care of this threat, you can have all the freedom you want. But until then, I need you to trust me.”
I didn’t even realize I was holding my breath until he leaned in, his lips brushing against my forehead instead of my lips as I anticipated. My heart stuttered, but my hopes quickly dissipated when he hadn’t kissed me.
Did I want him to kiss me? I wasn’t sure, but I did know I felt a pang of disappointment when he didn’t.
Teo’s eyes flashed with that knowing look, a tiny grin covered his features. “Go change,” he stood placing me on my feet. “We have somewhere else to be.”
And just like that, I knew it was going to be easy to get caught up in all things Teo. I just hoped I could handle whatever New York had in store for me.
seven
Teo
Acute assassin... that’s what Ayanna looked like gripping her gun.
Damn, she was full of surprises.
