Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 68192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Dante nodded.
“Did Lorenzo go to school?”
“He did. My father insisted we all go to college for the experience. Renzo also majored in business, but that was his choice. He was already working for the Theriots. They trusted him, so he could have majored in anything, but he wanted to learn more about the job he knew he was destined to do.”
“You didn’t have the same destiny?”
“Oh, I did. A family like ours isn’t something you fully escape, but I’ve made a life for myself separate from that world.”
He told me a little more about his classes and what he enjoyed most about his research. He was explaining the research he’d written his dissertation on when I began to drift off.
He stood, and I blinked, forcing my eyes open. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. There’s nothing like cell biology to put someone to sleep.”
“No, it’s really interesting.” I meant that. Under other circumstances, I’d love to hear more about his research.
“Get some sleep, Nikolai.”
“One more question.”
“Yes?”
“Is Lorenzo… You trust him with your life?”
“Yes. He may not be a good person by society’s standards, but you can absolutely trust him. He will keep his word.”
“So when he said I wouldn’t have to go back to my father—”
“Even if he didn’t hold to that, I would. None of us will allow you to be abused again. You should never have been stuck with that man, and you never will be again.”
“Wow. Okay.”
“Lorenzo… he…”
“He said he wasn’t a good man, that he’d eventually hurt me.”
“He might, but it would be because he was trying too hard to keep you safe. He takes on too much responsibility, and sometimes that means he doesn’t listen when someone insists they want to take risks. Staying here is a risk. It’s not like Lorenzo has a simple office job.”
“I know, but… I like him a lot.”
“He likes you too. I’ve never seen him act like this with a man. Don’t worry. You truly are safe with him.”
“Thanks.” I closed my eyes, and this time, sleep came easily.
22
LORENZO
Ieased the door to my room open, not wanting to disturb Niko. Once I’d checked in with all of the guards and seen that Rafe had fallen asleep on the couch in the den, I’d let Dante know I was on my way back. I didn’t want to knock and risk waking Niko.
Dante rose from his position near the window when I entered.
“Everything okay?”
“He woke from a nightmare, wanting water and ibuprofen.”
I looked at him, now sound asleep, lying on his side, good arm tucked under the pillow supporting his cast. “I wish I’d been here.”
“We talked for a little while. I put him to sleep with descriptions of my research.”
I huffed. “That will do it. What else did you talk about?”
Dante grinned. “That’s none of your business, but if you hurt him, you will have to answer to me.”
“He’s going to have to leave and start a new life somewhere else.”
“Why?”
“You know why. He won’t be truly safe here, and Remington isn’t going to allow me to keep a Russian asset in my home.”
“Fuck Remington.”
I snorted. “Say that to his face.”
“I will if I have to. Nikolai cares about you. Be fucking careful. Don’t let your martyr complex ruin something that could be perfect for you.”
I took a step back, feeling like Dante had punched me in the gut.
“I don’t—”
He raised his brows. “You’ve punished yourself enough.”
I pointed to the door. “Get out.”
“I’ll leave, but that won’t change anything.”
When he’d closed the door behind him, I walked over to the window and looked out. He didn’t understand. I was six years older than him. I’d been there as he grew up, watching him, protecting him, and then when the cops had dragged me away and locked me up, I’d left him with no one. Our parents were gone, and Dante was left to deal with Rafe, who was already out of control. That wasn’t something I could just get over.
Niko stirred, and I moved toward the bed. He settled back into sleep, but I was sure he’d sleep better if I were holding him. I pushed thoughts of the future from my mind and climbed into bed, where for the next few hours at least, I could be content.
I woke to bright sunlight and my phone buzzing. Niko stirred as I rolled over to answer it, and I realized he had slept soundly with me holding him. I shouldn’t be as pleased as I was about that.
I rubbed Niko’s back as I looked at my phone screen. The call was from Remington. I couldn’t put him off, especially since I’d slept half the morning away.
“Hello.”
At the sound of my voice, Niko rolled over to look at me. I put my finger against my mouth and hoped he understood that he shouldn’t make a sound.