Page 23 of His Game (His Obsession 1)

"I don't want Lisa," she said in a small voice. "I don't want to have to tell her..." The words caught on a sob.

"I can tell her for you."

She closed her eyes as the tears came again, but I didn't miss the flash of disbelief and rejection right before she did.

That thing in my chest moved again.

With a great sigh, I told her, "Give me a moment." I went into the bathroom and closed the door, took a piss, and washed my hands. As I passed the mirror, I caught my reflection and gave myself a glare of warning.

I could not fall for this woman. I could not afford to feel anything for her at all. Veda was a means to an end. That was all.

However, if holding her together while she was being ripped apart by her sister's death somehow beheld her to me, then I would do it.

Closing the door to the bedroom, I kicked off my shoes and got onto the bed, still in my dress pants and button down. There was no need to tempt myself more than I already had last night. I don't know what had come over me when I'd insisted she sleep in my room with me. As a matter of fact, I had told Lisa earlier to prepare the spare room down the hall from mine. Enzo and Tristan could take turns guarding the door, and either one of them—or Lisa—could keep an eye on her at all times when she wasn't in her room. Although I hated to put more work on them, it was going to be necessary. For my own sanity.

As soon as she felt the mattress dip, Veda rolled toward me and snuggled up against my side. I let her do it, hoping she would fall asleep and I could sneak out.

Her hand slipped under my shirt, and I hissed in a breath when she touched the bare skin of my stomach. I grabbed her wrist, stopping her from going any farther. "What are you doing?"

"Please, Luca." She sounded so sad. So lost.

Knowing I shouldn't. Knowing what it would cost me if I allowed this to happen, I closed my eyes...

And released her arm.

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