Page 146 of Pietro
"Okay," I say simply.
He shifts beneath me, surprise flickering across his features. "That's it? No questions?"
"What would you want me to ask?"
"Most people would want details. Or they'd tell me I went too far."
"I'm not most people." I meet his gaze steadily. "And you didn't go far enough, as far as I'm concerned."
Something dark and satisfied crosses his face. "Careful, Nora. You're starting to sound like me."
"Maybe I am." I don't look away. "Declan broke my fingers. Cracked my ribs. Tried to strangle me. He deserved whatever you gave him."
"He got worse than that."
"Good."
The word hangs between us. Pietro searches my face, looking for something. Disgust, maybe. Fear. He won't find either.
I know what he is. Know the monster that lives beneath the expensive suits and careful control. I've seen it unleashed, watched him break men without hesitation.
But I've also seen the other side.
He's both. Monster and angel. Killer and protector.
And I love him for all of it.
"You have layers," I say softly. "More than most people see."
"Layers." He sounds almost amused.
"You can be brutal. Violent. Terrifying." I press my palm flat against his chest. "But you can also be gentle. Kind. You try to make the right choices, even when it's hard."
"I'm not a good man, Nora."
"I never said you were." I lean up to kiss his jaw. "But you're mine. And that's what matters."
His hand cups the back of my neck, holding me close. "You shouldn't accept what I am so easily."
"Why not? You accepted me. An O'Sullivan. The daughter of your enemy."
"That's different."
"How?"
He doesn't have an answer for that.
We lie together in the quiet, his fingers stroking through my hair. I'm nearly asleep when he speaks again.
"I need to see Bruno tomorrow."
I blink, trying to focus. "Your brother?"
"Yes." His voice is careful. Measured. "I need to go to the facility. And I need you with me."
"Me?" I push up on my elbow again, ignoring my protesting ribs. "Why?"
"Because I need you there." He meets my gaze. "Will you come?"
