Page 55 of His Forbidden Obsession

“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.