m was t

he king-sized bed draped in black silk. The scent of him lingered-woodsmoke, d

hus

ene

o turn to know it was him. I felt his presence the way

" he said, his v

t," I replied wit

danger." He moved closer

like he was shedding armor. My stomach twisted. This was the moment I'd dreaded

il there was barely a br

d at me all evening,

do, I see my father's

brushing past him. "I

l beneath the softness. "We're married now, S

t through me

elonged to the fire of ven

eyes wide and innocent.

his heart. I could feel it, steady and strong. The heart o

zzle he couldn't solve. "You're

if I am?

atched me for a long beat, then lean

I'll f

that night-not in

es of whiskey and sat in the armchair across

d, the silk robe I'd change

ght..."

t away," he said. "Claim you l

ething dark. "I don't for

. Hated the way his words made me feel

on't want you?

t something else

know? Had he f

ng over mine. "You're not afraid of me. That makes

ce inches from mine

e bathroom, leaving me alone with the hea

dn't com

ink of the man sleeping on the couch across the room.

yed his words

something

. Too calm. Like he'd already p

her then. About the ni

t breath still echoing in my ears. I never forgot the sound of the gunshot. Or

eing a girl. That was the nigh

I couldn't help but wonde

hadn't pulle

built my rev

't afford do

wer in the closet, and retrieved th

ne had

of secrets-drug shipments, weapons deals, money laundering. I didn't just want

over the city skyline, lights twinklin

heard a rus

te's voice was husky,

, shirtless now, eyes half-lidded a

could you

ike he could see every lie I'd ever t

er you think I am,

eath

said yo

." He sat up slowl

. "Why did you m

s head, eyes

ut you I can't figure out. And