“And where are you?”
“Somewhere else, temporarily.”
As I had hoped, India enters Leo’s bedroom. I keep my eyes on her as she gets into bed beside him and takes his Kindle out of the nightstand drawer. Those two are all I need.
“I rest my case. India lost her brother and now she’s all alone waiting for a man who can’t even commit to his own family. You’ll bring her to me when I land.”
“It’s not safe for her to leave my compound.”
“Christ, Gio. You’re the one who’s just like him, you know that? I have a security team around me twenty-four seven. I’m not going to hide like a rat in the drain. Especially not in my homeland. The Souzas rule Colombia and we make our presence known. Anyway, you never cared about her safety before. I want to look her in the eye and make sure she’s okay. I know her better than anyone… even you, lover boy.”
“Dré…” I warn, my teeth clenched. “Sheisokay. And I’m trying to make sure she stays that way.”
“She’s family, Giovanni. You don't need to protect her from the man who helped Reno raise her… while you were off killing fuckers and hiding from me. So, don’t piss me the fuck off. India is my responsibility. Not yours, brother.”
I throw my feet down, push out of my seat and stand tall. “You’re wrong, Dré. So, fucking wrong.”
“Oh yeah? What makes you think you can offer her a good life when you can’t even enjoy your own?”
“Fuck you, Dré.”
“No, fuck you, Gio.”
16
GIOVANNI
I stare, watching over her.
The rain outside thunders against the thin window panes and a charred log smoldering in the fire leaves a burned smell.
She looks so peaceful—almost angelic. There was a time when I would have said she was privileged to walk the empty corridors of my private domain. Now, observing her like this, I’m the one who’s fucking lucky.
Long lashes flutter a little as if she senses me even in sleep. Loose golden hair fans the cushion under her head and a cashmere blanket hides her womanly curves, which is probably for the best. Tonight, I'm not here to satisfy my hunger.
Warmth spreads through me, seeping into my rigid muscles. The desire to play with her is strong. I suck in a deep, steadying breath, aware of my pulse thrumming and my urges warring for control.
India wants to take the training she’d done with her brother up a notch. And what better way to do that than to face Giovanni Souza, in my own territory?
I roll down a black balaclava and pull up my hood, forcing myself to take a few steps away from her and slip into the shadows.
If she fails to win this round, then she’s not ready to leave Blackwater or spend a few hours with my brother. End of story.
Pulling out the satellite phone, I type a message to throw her off. Just because I care about India, doesn't mean I’ll go easy on her.
Unknown number:You’re not alone.
From across the room, her phone beeps, the sound of it shrill, reaching the high ceilings and making her jerk awake. India props up onto her elbow, snatches the device quicker than a viper attacks, and taps open the message.
Her brows tug together as she reads and instantly types a reply. Except I’ve switched my phone off and tucked it away.
Sitting upright, she pulls the blanket to her throat and waits for me to send another text message. So distracted, detached from the prospect of danger a few strides away.
My heart thumps harder when her eyes flick up. She does a quick scan of her surroundings, not noticing me yet. I close my eyes and listen to her quick intake of air, savoring the way her instincts kick in.
“Giovanni…” she calls out, but I don’t answer. “Is that you?” A wisp of fear distorts her voice ever so slightly, the sound of it echoing in my ears and whispering through me. “If you’re here, please come out,” she says with more urgency than confidence. “Just let me see you.”
I stay rooted in position, hunkered by the ancient mahogany desk that offers a cover of darkness. She glances right, then left, her chest rising and falling as adrenaline charges through her stiff posture.
