Page 36 of Be With Me
Mia didn’t move, just stood there watching as I started on the buttons. “Looks like it hurts.”
“Just a bit stiff.” I flexed my hand against the ache as I fumbled with a button.
She frowned. “Here, let me.” She stepped closer and made quick work of the buttons, her fingertips brushing against my skin through the fabric now and then.
Those featherlight touches sent sparks all the way down to my cock.
It wasridiculous. What the fuck was going on with me?
On paper, Mia wasn’t my type. I didn’t chase good girls or get off on the idea of luring them into my world. Women were either part of the job or one-night stands to take the edge off.
Mia was just another job.
And yet, my reaction to her was throwing me for a fucking loop.
“I’ve got it,” I said, my voice rough as I tried to push her hands away.
She ignored me, her stubborn fingers continuing their work.
Jesus. She just couldn’t help herself. She was even trying to saveme.
"What happens when you stop rescuing the people around you?" I asked, watching the way her frown deepened, tugging at the corners of her lips.
She hesitated. "I don’t know what you mean."
“You care too much. Have you ever been selfish, or is that word foreign to you?" I tilted my head, studying her. "You’re such a fucking good girl—practically a caricature."
Her eyes snapped to mine, flashing with indignation. "You’re a jerk."
She tried to step away, but I caught her wrists with my bruised hands, ignoring the sharp stab of pain. I moved forward, forcing her back. She stumbled, shoulder blades meeting the wall with a soft thud.
“I should’ve known you’d never agree to work for me if the only person who stood to benefit from this arrangement was you.”
Her eyes widened. Was she surprised I could read her so easily? She was an open fucking book.
"Romolo," she said, voice tight. "Let go of me."
I leaned in, lowering my voice. "I’ll let you in on a secret." My grip tightened slightly—not enough to hurt, just enough to make sure she was listening. "Not everyone deserves to be taken care of."
Her breath hitched. "That’s a sad way to look at life."
"Is it?" I murmured.
“Do you think it’s a burden? Taking care of people?” She tried again to pull away. “Because it’s not. I like doing it.”
“Oh yeah?” I inched forward, closing the distance between us. “Tell me…who takes care of you?”
Her lips parted, but nothing came out.
I could see the way my words were sinking in, making her think. Making her wonder.
How long would it take for her to come to a conclusion she wouldn’t like? I mean, shit. Her father hadn’t even bothered telling her to stop broadcasting her location.
"Let go of me, Romolo,” she whispered. Her gaze flicked—just for a moment—to my mouth.
“Is that really what you want?”
Her pupils dilated, and a shallow breath escaped her lips.
