Ruthless Heart

“We’ve been here a matter of hours,” I say, exhausted, sitting on the edge of the bed and pulling off my heels. I rub the balls of my sore feet, wound way too tight for his attitude. “You don’t forge a connection in a single day. You need to get to know people over time to build up trust. It takes patience. Something you’re clearly lacking.”

“Oh, I can be patient.” Nero gives a cruel laugh. “I’ve been waiting years to make this development happen.”

“Then what’s another few days?” I retort. “You can’t blame McKenna for being wary. All he knows is the Barretti name. You need to make him think you’re more than that. Like he knows you.”

“The way you made me believe I knew you?”

I look up. Nero is watching me with equal parts loathing and desire in his eyes.

The same feelings warring inside me, too.

“You knew me,” I reply bitterly. “You knew me better than anyone.”

“Don’t lie,” Nero growls. “There’s nobody here to buy your innocent act.”

I stare back at him, furious. Suddenly, our past isn’t dead and buried, it’s humming with life, right here in the confines of the cabin. Dangerous. Hot. It feels like I’m sixteen again, aching for him with an intensity I’ve never known before, despite my burning hatred.

Or because of it.

My body tightens. God, what would it feel like to have him again? Scratch the itch that’s been haunting me ever since the night I left? The possibility leaves me breathless.

No. Fuck. You can’t.

I catch myself in time, and reel back. “I’m… Going to get some air,” I blurt, before turning on my heel and fleeing the cabin.

Leaving Nero there, cursing my name.