Page 6 of Blood Vows

“Telling you no was a tactical move to keep you and Isabella safe,” Dante insisted.

“That’s bullshit, and we both know it,” Luca growled. The line went dead, and Dante looked at his phone.

“Asshole,” he breathed.

“Talking to yourself already?” Elena’s voice had him reaching for his gun before his brain registered who the voice belonged to. He turned and found her standing at the end of the hallway—exactly where he’d told her not to be. Of fucking course she was.

Dante slowly lowered his hand. “What did I tell you?”

Her brows lifted. “You said not to move.”

“And yet here you are,” Dante drawled.

“I got thirsty,” she said.

“There’s water in the room,” he reminded.

“No, there isn’t.” He frowned, and she smiled. It wasn’t a big smile. Barely there, really, but fuck if it didn’t change her entire face. Dante stared at her for a second too long, and then he caught himself.

“Go back to the room,” he growled.

“After I get some water,” she insisted.

“Elena,” he said her name as though it was a warning.

“Dante,” she countered. His name sounded different coming from her—softer, and he didn’t like that either. At least, that was what he told himself.

She walked past him into the kitchen like she wasn’t currently being held by one of the most dangerous crime families in the country. Dante watched her open the wrong cabinet, then another. “You going to help me find a glass?” she asked.

“No,” he breathed.

“Charming,” she mumbled under her breath.

“Wasn’t trying to be,” he drawled.

“I noticed.” She finally found a glass, filled it from the faucet, and took a long drink. Dante tried not to watch her throat move as she swallowed, but he failed. Jesus Christ. He needed sleep, or a woman. Preferably one who wasn’t possibly connected to a conspiracy against his family.

Elena lowered the glass. “What did Luca want?”

“None of your business,” he said.

“Considering I’m the reason he called, I’d say it is my business,” she said.

Dante crossed his arms over his chest, and she looked him over. “You listen at doors often?”

“I didn't have to. This place isn't exactly soundproof,” she said.

“How much did you hear?” he asked.

“Enough to know you told him no.” Shit. Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “You told Luca Camorra no because you didn’t want to move me.”

“I told him moving you was a security risk to him and his wife,” Dante insisted.

“Is that all?” she asked.

“Yes.” The answer came too quickly, and her mouth curved. Dante hated that smile, mostly because he wanted to see it again.

“You’re lying,” she said.