Page 38 of The Don's Hidden Heir

She crosses her arms and taps her foot in anger. “Or what?”

“Or I am taking you with me, whether you want to come or not.”

“You can’t do that!” she fires at me. “You don’t have the right to tell me what I can or cannot do. I’m not one of your minions you can order around, Dominic.”

God, this woman. “No, you’re not. But your safety matters more to me,mio cara, that is why I am doing this.” I take a step forward and cup her cheeks. “Hey.”

Her hazel eyes are sparkling with tears as she lifts them to look at me. She’s afraid, and I don’t blame her for it. I blame myself. I shouldn’t have dragged her into this mess seven years ago, but there is no going back now. Not when my enemies are hot on my tail.

“Listen,mio cara. Everything’s going to be alright.” I pull her closer so her head is resting on my chest, then I snake my arm around her waist. “I’m going to keep you and Lucas safe even if it’s the last thing I fucking do. All I want is a chance to prove it to you.”

She sniffles as she pulls away. “I’ll give it some thought, but I’m not promising.” Her eyes shift behind me. “Can I at least have some privacy from the bodyguards outside? I’m not comfortable having them watch me round the clock.”

I look around, checking the windows to see if there’s a slim chance anyone can crawl in through them. I’m relieved when I find there are vertical window grills on every window.

“On one condition.”

She tilts her head and raises her brows. “You’re kidding me.”

“I’m not.” I hate the annoyance flickering on her face, but I ignore it. “I’ll drive Lucas to school every morning, and my brother will spend the night here until you’re ready to move in.”

“I thought I could decide whether I move in or not.”

“You can, but your options are the same.” I trail a finger down her face. Her skin is silky and cold, I want to wrap her in my arms until she falls asleep tonight, but I’m afraid I can’t. I’m meeting up with Peterson an hour from now. “You’ll move in with me.”

I didn’t expect it, but when she laughs, it fills the air and brings a smile to my lips. “I guess it’s nice you haven’t changed one bit.”

“You haven’t changed much either.”

She taps my shoulder. “The choice is still mine to make. I’ll let you know when I’ve decided, unless you plan to bundle me out of here like a doll.”

I will if I have to.

But I don’t tell her that. Instead, I lean over and plant a light kiss on her forehead. “I’ll call you later.” When I move back, I notice her eyes are closed as she absorbs my kiss.

I’m about to leave when she grabs my arm. “Don’t get killed, Dominic.”

I smile at her. “I’m not an easy man to kill,mio cara.”

As soon as I leave the house and slide into my SUV, I place a call to Marcus.

He picks up as soon as the call goes through. “Hey, man.”

“Hey.” I run my finger through my beard. “Where are you?”

“Romano Manor,” he answers. “Vincent just got home. Anything you want me to do for you?”

“I need more security around Elena’s apartment.”

“There’s enough security there already.”

Enough.I hate that word. I’d order every single one of my men to stand around the building to her apartment if I have to. “Just do as I say. And get your ass over here before midnight, you’re spending the night here.”

“What?”

“You heard me.” I hang up before he can voice the obvious protest looming in his voice. He won’t like the idea of sleeping far away from home, and I don’t care what he likes. He’s the only person I trust with my life, and Elena’s.

I’m used to controlling and manipulating everyone and everything around me, but that’s what drives me tonight. I’m fueled with the need to protect what is mine, and God help me if anyone dares to touch a strand of hair on either of their heads.

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