Page 48 of The Mafia King's Reign
I pause, my hand still on it, and when I glance up at him, his gaze is already on me, steady, unreadable.
I tighten my grip.
So does he.
For a second, neither of us moves. The book stays between us, his hand still covering mine, like he's waiting to see what I'll do.
I pull.
He doesn't let go.
Not right away.
Just long enough to make it feel intentional. My pulse picks up.
I tug again, firmer this time, and he finally releases it. The book slides into my hand, but his fingers drag slightly against mine as he lets go.
It shouldn't matter. But it does. His gaze drops to my mouth, and my breath catches before I can stop it.
Heat rises to my cheeks, and I hate that he probably sees it.
"I believe this was recommended for you, not me."
"You said you'd read it again. Since I'm done with it, you can have mine."
"You finished it already?" I glance up at him, unable to help it. "When do you have time to read between all your… extracurricular activities?"
I let the pause hang there, loaded with everything I saw.
His jaw tightens. "What you saw that night isn't the norm."
"Just the occasional torture session then. Good to know."
"Valentina." My name is a warning, low and rough. He leans forward, and suddenly the space between us feels thin. "I've been head of this family for two years. Every vulture in the tristate area sees that as weakness. An opening to tear apart what my father built, everything I’ve built." His eyes lock on mine, dark and uncompromising. "They won't get the chance. But I have to rule with a heavy hand to ensure my people stay protected. Thatyoustay protected."
"I was perfectly safe before you dragged me into your world."
"No." The single word cuts through the air like a blade. "You were oblivious. There's a difference. There is nowhere in this world that is truly safe, tesoro. But here, under my protection, you're as close as you'll ever get."
"How reassuring," I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "I feel so much better now."
His mouth curves, not quite a smile. "You should."
I open the cover of the book and immediately notice the library seal stamped inside.
I lift a brow. "Did you get your library card?"
"Something like that."
"Hm." I close the book slowly, meeting his eyes. "I'll be sure to bill you for it."
"Soon," he says, voice low and certain, "every penny I have will be yours anyway. Consider it paid."
The words land between us like a vow. My stomach flips.
"Or you could check it out and return it like a normal person."
His mouth curves with satisfaction.
